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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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1.25 


1^1 28 

■so    '■^" 

s  ^  III 


12.5 
2.2 


1.1     t"i^ 

^      mm 


U    III  1.6 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WIBSTIR.N.Y,  MS80 

(716)  873-4503 


^  S' 


v^^^^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


L 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniques  at  bibliographiquas 


The  Institute  has  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  bast 
original  copy  c^vailabla  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


L'tnstitut  a  microfilm^  la  mailleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-4tre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  dc  filmaga 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


D 


D 


a 


a 


n 


n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


J~n    Covers  damaged/ 


Couv«rture  endommagie 


Covers  restored  and/or  !aminar«rd/ 
Couverture  restaur^  et/ou  peiliculie 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gAographiques  en  couleur 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planchea  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
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Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrAe  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
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Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
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mais,  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  *ti  filmtes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires; 


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r~~^    Pages  damaged/ 


D 


D 


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Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurties  et/ou  pellicuKkes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dAcolorAes,  tachaties  ou  piqudes 


rn    Pages  detached/ 


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Comprend  du  materiel  supplimentaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
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fy]  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

pn  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

r~l  Only  edition  available/ 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  ^t*  filmies  A  nouveau  de  fapon  A 
obtanir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


lOX 


y 

W(wl 


\m 


aox 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmad  hare  hat  b««n  raproducod  thanka 
to  tha  ganaroaity  of: 

Douglaa  Library 
Quaan's  Univaraity 


L'axamplaira  film*  fut  raproduit  grAca  A  la 
g4n4roait4  da: 

Douglaa  Library 
Quaan'a  Univaraity 


Tha  imagaa  appearing  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
poaaibia  conaidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  Icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  apacificationa. 


Original  copiaa  in  printed  paper  covera  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  iaat  page  with  a  printed  or  illuatratad  imprea- 
aion,  or  tha  bacic  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copiaa  ara  filmed  beginning  on  the 
firat  page  with  a  printed  or  illuatratad  impraa- 
aion,  and  ending  on  the  Iaat  page  with  a  printed 
or  illuatratad  impraaaion. 


Tha  iaat  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
ahaii  contain  tha  aymbol  — ^-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  aymbol  ▼  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  appiiaa. 


Lea  image*  auivantea  ont  AtA  reproduitea  avac  la 
plua  grand  aoin,  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nattet*  de  I'exemplaira  f limA,  et  en 
conformity  avac  lea  conditiona  du  contrat  da 
fllmage. 

Lea  axemplairaa  originaux  dont  la  couvarture  en 
papier  eat  ImprimAa  aont  filmte  an  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  aoit  par  la 
darniAre  page  qui  comporta  une  empreinte 
d'Impreaaion  ou  d'illuatratlon,  aoit  par  la  aacond 
plat,  aelon  le  caa.  Toua  lea  autrea  axemplairaa 
originaux  aont  filmAa  an  commen^ant  par  la 
pramlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impreaaion  ou  d'illuatration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  darnlAre  page  qui  comporta  una  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  dea  aymbolea  auivanta  apparattra  aur  la 
darnlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  aelon  le 
caa:  la  aymbola  — ►  aignifia  "A  SUIVRE",  la 
aymboia  y  aignifia  "FIN". 


Mapa,  plataa,  charta,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  et 
different  reduction  ratioa.  Thoaa  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  expoaure  ara  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hend  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  aa  many  framea  aa 
required.  The  following  diagrama  illuatrata  the 
method: 


Lea  carta*,  pianchea,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  A  dea  taux  da  rMuction  diffArenta. 
Loraqua  la  document  eat  trop  grand  pour  Atra 
reproduit  en  un  aaul  clichi,  11  eat  fllmA  A  partir 
da  Tangle  aupAriaur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  an  baa,  an  prenant  la  nombre 
d'imagea  nAcaaaaira.  Lea  diagrammea  auivanta 
illuatrant  la  mA'^i^oda. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

n 


m 


TEKLA 


n 


s^a^nai^Hmnm^miimpimBiaNa 


■:> 


IK 

iff 


r-i 


'i; 


W"m' 


TEKLA 


U  IRomance  ot  %ovc  an^  Mar 


t 


,f 


\ 


BY 


ROBERT  BARR 


AUTHOR  OF 

"  The  Mutable  Many,"  "  A  Woman  Intervenes,"  "  In  the  Midst  of 

Alarms,"  Etc. 


^ 


NEW  YORK 

FR'^DERICK  A.  STOKES  COMPANY 

PUKLISHERS 


UP 


PS  84S5.A73aT'4     c,^ 


1     ; 


Copyright,  1898 
By  ROBERT  BARR 


/ '  \ 


I  /..^■ 


TO 
THE  COUNTESS  LAURA 


3 1  T^  l2o 


\ 


r  i 


K 


I 


■>     I 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  PAGB 

I.   THE  EMPEROR  ENTERS  TREVES          .                .  I 
II.    THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF         .  I3 
III.   LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD  OF  THEM- 
SELVES           .            .            .           ",  it 

IV.   THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS          .                .  ''0 

V.   LOVE  LEADS  THE  WAY  .  .  ♦,    '      j|| 

VI.   AN  UNWISHED-FOR  MARRIAGE  DAY           .  la 

VII.   THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  COUNTESS          .                .  69 

VIII.   THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD        .  f  0 

IX.   A  PALATIAL  PRISON                 .                 «                #  |p* 

X.   THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES     ,                 .  |f|, 

XI.   IN   QUEST    OF    A   WIFE    WITH    A  TROOP    OF 

HORSE             .     •            .     •                •                .  112 

XII.   CUPID's  bow  GIVES  PLACE  TO  THE  ARCHER's  1 23 

XIII.  THE   BLACK  COUNT   IS   PERSUADED   NOT  TO 

HANG  HIS  EMPEROR               .                 .  I34 

XIV.  A  RELUCTANT  WELCOME        .                .                .  148 
XV.   CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  FULL  MEAL    .  1 58 

XVI.   THE  COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR     .  174 
XVII.    THE  envoy's  DISASTROUS  RETURN           .  184 
XVIII.    A    TWO-HANDED    SWORD   TEACHES   DEPORT- 
MENT                  ....  198 
XIX.   A  MAN  AND  A  WOMAN  MEET  BY  TORCHLIGHT  209 
XX.   A    BREAKFAST   ON   THE  TOP  OF   THE   SOUTH 

TOWER          .                 .                 .                .  217 

XXI.    AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  DIPLOMACY        .                 .  228 

XXII.    THE  FIRST  ATTACK  ON  CASTLE   THURON  234 


CONTENTS. 


,! 


CHAPTER 

XXIII.  THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT 

XXIV.  COUNT  BERTRICH  EXPLAINS  HIS  FAILURE 
XXV.   THE  SECOND  ASSAULT  ON  THE  CASTLE 

XXVI.    AN  ILLUMINATED  NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  THURON 
XXVII.    THE  TWO  years'  SIEGE  BEGINS 
XXVIII.    THE  SECOND  ARCHER  ANNOUNCES  HIMSELF 
XXIX.    CONRAD  VENTURES  HIS  LIFE  FOR  HIS  LOVE 

XXX.   THE  STRUGGLE  IN  THE  DARK      . 
XXXI.    BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR 
XXXII.    "  FOR  YOUR  LOVE  I  WOULD  DEFY  FATE." 

XXXIII.  A  GRIM    INTERRUPTION    TO    A    LOVERS'    MEET- 

ING       ..... 

XXXIV.  THE  BLACK  COUNT's  DEFIANCE  . 
XXXV.   THE  NIGHT  ESCAPE  OF  THE  EMPEROR 

XXXVI.   THE  FIVE  BILLETLESS  ARROWS    . 
XXXVII.   THE  TRAITOR  AND  HIS  PRICE 
XXXVIII.    THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS 

XXXIX.   THE    EMPEROR  AT    THE  HEAD   OF    HIS  ARMY 
XL.   THE   ARCHBISHOPS  ENVIRONED  WITH  A  RING 
OF  IRON  .... 

XLI.    "  WHY  HAVE  YOU  DARED  TO  LEVY  WAR  ?  " 
XLII.    TEKLA  REPLENISHES  HER  WARDROBE 
XLIII.    THE  COUNTESS  AND  THE  EMPEROR 


PAGB 

245 
256 

260 

269 

277 
284  ' 
294 
304  ^ 
3^3 
327 

336 

351  . 

363 

371 

378 

38s 

396 

403 
413 
423 
429 


TEKLA. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   EMPEROR  ENTERS   TREVES.      -v^-^ 

The  Romans  had  long  since  departed,  but  their 
handiwork  remained — a  thin  line  laid  like  a  whiplash 
across  the  broad  country — a  road.  It  extended  north- 
westward from  Frankfort  and  passed,  as  straight  as 
might  be,  through  the  .1  r.ost  trackless  forest  that  lay 
to  the  south  of  Moselle;  for  the  great  highway-builders 
had  little  patience  with  time-consuming  curves;  thus 
the  road  ranged  over  hill  and  down  dale  without 
shirking  whatever  came  before  it.  Nearing  the  west- 
ern terminus,  it  passed  along  high  lands,  through  a  level 
unbroken  forest.  A  wayfarer,  after  travelling  many 
monotonous  leagues,  came  suddenly  to  an  opening  in 
the  timber,  and  found  himself  on  the  brow  of  a  hill, 
confronted  with  a  scene  amazing  in  extent,  well  calcu- 
lated to  arrest  his  progress  and  cause  him  to  regard 
with  admiration,  the  wide  spread  landscape  beneath 
and  beyond.  The  scene  was  the  more  startling  that  it 
burst  unexpectedly  on  the  view,  after  miles  of  trees 
that  seemed  innumerable,  hemming  in,  with  their  un- 
varying cloak  of  green,  the  outlook  of  the  traveller. 

At  the  brow  of  the  hill  there  had  paused  two  men, 
excellently  mounted,  who  now,  with  slackened  rein, 
allowed  their  evidently  exhausted  horses  to  stand, 
while  they  gazed  upon  this  prospect.  The  younger 
man  was  slightly  in  advance  of  his  comrade,  and 
sat  easily  on  his  horse,  with  hand  on  hip ;  while 
the  other,  an  arm  extended,  was  pointing  to  the  city 


TEKLA. 


lying  far  below.  The  age  of  the  former  might  have 
been  anything  between  twenty-f ve  and  thirty-five: 
he  was,  in  truth,  twenty-eight  years  old  at  the 
time  he  first  came  within  sight  of  this  western  city. 
He  wore  the  dress  of  a  young  gallant  of  that  period, 
with  a  light  rapier  by  his  side,  but  was  otherwise  un- 
armed. His  costume  indicated  no  special  distinction, 
and  would  not  have  prepared  a  listener  for  the  manner 
in  which  his  fellow-traveller  addressed  him. 

"That,  your  Majesty,"  he  said,  "is  the  ancient  town 
of  Treves." 

The  young  Emperor  turned  his  eyes  from  the  city 
to  his  companion. 

"  It  may  be  well  to  remember,  Siegfried,"  he  said, 
speaking  slowly,  **  that  his  Majesty  is  now  far  from 
here  on  his  way  to  the  Holy  Land,  and  that  he  who 
has,  for  the  first  time,  looked  upon  Treves,  is  plain 
Rodolph  the  traveller,  abroad  to  see  something  of  the 
land  the  Emperor  is  supposed  to  rule,  and  which  his 
loyal  subjects,  the  Archbishops  of  Treves  and  Cologne, 
intend  to  rule  for  him." 

Siegfried  bowed  low  and  said,  "  I  will  remember," 
checking  himself  barely  in  time  from  repeating  again 
the  title  of  his  listener. 

"  A  trifle  less  deferenc<^,  I  beg  of  you,  Siegfried.  An 
erect  head  and  a  tongue  not  too  civil  may  make  my 
way  easier  in  the  fair  city  of  Treves.  Where  flows  the 
Moselle?" 

"  Between  that  cliff  and  the  city.  You  may  see  it 
yonder  to  the  ri'^ht,  below  the  town,  and  again  along 
the  plain  in  the  distance  above  it." 

"  Is  that  the  Archbishop's  palace  in  the  wall  ?" 

"  No,  it  is  the  Black  Gate  of  the  Romans.  The  pal- 
ace of  the  Archbishop  lies  to  the  south  by  the  Roman 
Basilica  yonder.  The  cathedral  whose  spire  you  see, 
stands  midway  between  the  Porta  Nigra  and  the  pal- 
ace." 

*'  Think  you  we  may  be  questioned  narrowly  when 
we  enter?" 


THE  EMPEROR  ENTERS  TREVES. 


"  Oh,  no.  Many  come  because  of  the  Archbishop's 
Court,  which  is  said  to  outshine  the  Emperor's  at 
Frankfort." 

*'  Ah,  that  is  better,  Siegfried.  Now  is  the  Emperor 
indeed  well  on  his  way  to  meet  the  infidel  Saracen 
when  we  talk  freely  of  him  in  his  absence.  Shall  we 
then  pass  unchallenged  through  the  gate  ?  " 

"  Without  doubt.  There  is  also  much  traffic  of 
trade  between  Frankfort  and  Treves,  and  interchange 
of  visitors." 

"  We  met  but  few  on  the  road,  Siegfried." 

"  True.  The  traffic  is  mainly  by  the  river.  Mer- 
chants frequent  the  boats  going  down,  but  many 
traverse  the  road  from  Frankfort.  Had  we  been  jour- 
neying eastward  we  should  have  met  more  travellers." 

"  That  sounds  like  a  riddle,  Siegfried.  There  must 
be  a  glut  of  Frankfort  horses  in  Treves,  if  all  their 
riders  return  by  boat." 

"  The  horses  go  by  boat  as  well  to  Coblentz,  then 
are  ridden  along  the  Rhine  to  Frankfort." 

"  Ah,  that  is  the  solution,  is  it  ?  Well,  let  us  get  on 
to  Treves,  and  try  our  fortune  at  cozening  the  guards 
if  we  are  questioned." 

Downward  rode  the  two,  toward  the  ancient  city, 
the  horses  refreshed  by  the  halt  at  the  top  of  the  hill. 
The  great  cliff  by  the  side  of  the  unseen  Moselle 
seemed  to  rise  higher  and  higher  into  the  sky  as  they 
descended,  until  it  stood  like  a  huge  rampart  over  the 
walled  town.  Reaching  level  ground  again,  the  riders 
took  a  westerly  direction,  bending  their  course  so  that 
they  might  enter  the  city  by  the  northern  gate.  As 
they  approached,  it  became  evident  that  a  throng  was 
gathered  on  each  side  of  the  port,  the  way  in  the  cen- 
tre being  kept  clear  by  mounted  soldiery. 

"You  are  versed  in  the  manners  of  Treves,"  said 
the  Emperor,  "  knowing  all  of  note  within  its  walls — 
what  think  you  then  is  going  forward  at  the  gate  ? 
Is  it  well  for  us  to  attempt  entrance  now,  or  are  we 
more  likely  to  pass  unnoticed  in  the  press  ?  " 


TEKLA. 


/*' 


y 


"  It  is  probable  that  the  Archbishop  and  his  train 
are  about  to  pass  outward  to  his  villa  or  water  palace, 
as  some  ca^)  it.  He  travels  in  state,  and  there  are  al- 
ways many  onlookers."  -  \ 

"  Where  is  his  water  palace  ?  " 

"  On  the  Moselle,  near  Zurlauben,  a  short  half-hour's 
ride  from  the  gate." 

"  This  then  gives  us  excellent  opportunity  of  seeing 
Arnold  von  Isenberg,  Archbishop  of  Treves,  ourselves 
unseen  in  the  throng.  Shall  we  wait  his  coming  out- 
side or  inside  the  gate  ?  " 

"  We  were  better  outside,  I  think,  for  then  we  may 
enter  unquestioned  with  the  press  of  people  when  the 
show  is  over." 

Thus  the  two  horsemen  ranged  themselves  by  the 
side  of  the  road  with  others  also  on  horseback,  mer- 
chants, travellers,  messengers  and  the  like,  while  the 
crowd  on  foot  shifted  here  and  there  to  find  standing 
room  that  commanded  a  view.  Mounted  men-at-arms 
rode  hither  and  thither,  roughly  keeping  the  way  clear 
and  the  mob  in  check,  buffeting  with  their  pike-handles 
those  who  were  either  reluctant  or  slow  to  move.  The 
clattering  of  horses'  shod  hoofs  on  the  stone-paved 
narrow  street  within  the  gate  announced  the  coming 
of  the  cortege. 

"  Off  with  your  hat,  fellow,"  cried  one  of  the  men- 
at-arms,  raising  his  pike.  "  His  Lordship,  the  Arch- 
bishop, comes." 

Rodolph's  quick  hand  sought  his  sword-hilt,  but  a 
touch  on  his  arm  from  his  comrade  recalled  him  to  a 
sense  of  his  position.  He  changed  the  downward 
motion  of  his  hand  to  an  upward  one,  and  speedily 
doffed  his  cap,  seeing  now  that  every  one  else  was  un- 
covered, for  the  haughty  Archbishop  allowed  no  dis- 
respect abroad  when  he  took  an  airing. 

First  came  a  troop  of  landsknecht,  numbering  per- 
haps a  score,  then,  with  an  interval  between,  the  Arch- 
bishop and  his  train,  followed  at  a  slight  distance  by 
another  score  of  horsemen. 


THE  EMPEROR  ENTERS  TREVES.    5 

Arnold  von  Isenberg  sat  upright  on  his  black 
charger,  looking  much  more  the  soldier  than  the 
churchman.  On  the  further  side  of  him  rode  a  mid- 
dle-aged nobleman,  with  whom  the  Archbishop  now 
and  then  exchanged  a  word.  Count  Bertrich  never 
could  have  been  handsome,  and  the  red  scar  from  a 
sabre  cut  over  his  nose  had  in  no  way  added  to  his 
personal  attractions,  but  his  fame  throughout  the 
land  as  a  fighter  of  both  skill  and  courage,  caused  him 
to  be  reckoned  a  favourite  with  the  electoral  prelate, 
who  had  usually  more  need  of  warriors  round  him  than 
of  the  numerous  court  gallants  who  followed  in  his 
train,  and  were  now  conversing  in  low  tones  with  the 
ladies  who  accompanied  them.  But  whether  the  soft- 
ness of  their  words  was  caused  by  the  tender  import 
of  them,  or  whether  they  feared  to  intrude  their  voices 
on  the  conversation  or  the  meditations  of  the  Arch- 
bishop, the  onlooking  but  unnoticed  Emperor  could 
not  have  guessed,  had  his  curiosity  been  aroused  to 
inquire.  Rumour  had  it  that  the  Archbishop  intended 
to  bestow  on  Count  Bertrich  the  hand,  and  incident- 
ally, the  broad  lands  of  his  ward,  who  rode  at  his  right 
hand,  and  if  this  were  true  the  girl  showed  little  plea- 
sure over  it,  to  judge  by  the  small  heed  she  gave  either 
to  the  crowd  that  lined  the  road  on  each  side  or  to 
those  who  accompanied  her  in  the  august  procession. 
She  seemed  neither  to  see  nor  to  hear  aught  that  went 
on  around  her,  but  with  eyes  looking  straight  forward, 
and  a  slight  frown  on  her  fair  brow,  rode  onward  in 
silence,  a  marked  contrast  to  the  prattling  train  which 
followed  her.  Meanwhile,  von  Isenberg  spoke  with 
the  Count,  who  bent  his  head  deferentially  to  listen, 
and  perhaps  while  doing  so,  to  glance  across  the 
charger's  mane  at  the  proud  and  beautiful  girl,  who 
rode  on  the  other  side  of  the  Archbishop,  heedless  of 
glance  or  conversation. 

When  the  procession  had  passed,  the  young  Em- 
peror sat  looking  after  it,  bonnet  still  in  hand,  with  an 
absorbed  expression  on  his  face.     And  well  might  he 


\ 


TEKLA. 


r' 


gaze  long  at  the  iron  Archbishop,  for  he  had  come 
on  a  weary  journey  to  see  that  potentate,  and  judge 
for  himself  what  manner  of  man  he  might  be  who  was 
report-^d  to  have  remarked  to  his  brother  Archbishop 
of  Colog^ne,  when  he  cast  the  vote  which  helped  to 
make  Rodolph  an  emperor,  that  the  young  man  was 
said  to  be  a  romantic  fool,  who  would  be  the  more 
easily  led  by  their  Lordships  of  Treves  and  Cologne, 
than  any  older  and  more  seasoned  noble.  Therefore 
had  it  been  given  out  that  the  new  Emperor  was  gone 
to  smite  the  Saracen,  whereas  he  had  merely  jour- 
neyed from  Frankfort  to  Treves  in  disguise,  to  look 
upon  a  man  who  might  prove  more  formidable  to  his 
peace  than  the  fiercest  Saracen  roaming  the  plains  of 
the  East.  Siegfried,  who,  though  so  much  older,  was 
Rodolph's  confidential  friend,  seemed  anxious  to  know 
the  estimate  the  Emperor  had  formed  of  his  probable 
adversary. 

"  A  hard,  stern  face,**  said  Siegfried.  "  A  cold 
friend  and  an  implacable  enemy,  to  judge  by  the 
glance  I  got  of  him.     What  think  yoi  ?  " 

**  An  adorable  face,"  murmured  the  young  man, 
absently,  still  gazing  after  the  rapidly  disappearing 
cortege.  "  A  face  to  dream  over ;  to  die  for.  Who  is 
she,  Siegfried  ?  " 

"  The  Countess  Tekla,**  answered  Siegfried,  some- 
what briefly  and  grimly,  for  here  their  expedition, 
not  without  peril,  undertaken  against  his  strongly 
urged  advice,  was  turned  from  its  purpose,  at  this 
critical  moment,  by  a  passing  glimpse  of  a  pretty  face. 
Perhaps,  after  all,  the  Archbishop  had  made  the  re- 
mark attributed  to  him,  and  Rodolph  seemed  deter- 
mined on  the  most  inopportune  occasion,  to  give 
colour  to  it. 

••  But  who  is  she?"  demanded  the  Emperor,  cover- 
ing again. 

"  The  Countess  Tekla  is  the  ward  of  the  Archbishop. 
Her  father  died  in  his  service  and  is  said  to  have  been 
the  only  man  Arnold  von  Isenberg  ever  had  any  affec- 


THE  EMPEROR  ENTERS  TREVES. 


tion  for.  The  sole  living  relative  she  has,  so  far  as 
known  to  me,  is  Count  Heinrich,  surnamed  the  Black, 
of  Castle  Thuron,  near  Coblentz.  Her  mother  was 
sister  to  the  Black  Count." 

"  That  marauder !  No  wonder  she  was  not  left  his 
ward." 

"  There  was  little  love  lost  between  her  father  and 
her  uncle.  'Tis  said  Heinrich  tried  to  get  possession 
of  Tekla  and  has  even  had  the  temerity  to  threaten 
an  attack  upon  the  Archbishop  because  of  her,  but 
he  is  hardly  likely  to  do  more  than  bluster,  for,  how- 
ever much  the  Count  may  lack  common  honesty,  he  is 
not  devoid  of  common  sense,  and  well  knows  that 
Arnold  could  crush  him  in  his  castle  as  a  snail  is 
crushed  in  its  shell  under  an  iron  heel." 

"  The  Countess  Tekla,"  murmured  the  Emperor, 
more  to  himself  than  to  his  companion.  "  She  is  the 
most  beautiful  vision  that  ever  floated  before  the  eyes 
of  man." 

"  She  is  betrothed  to  Count  Bertrich,  who  rode  at 
the  Archbishop's  left  hand,"  said  Siegfried,  coldly. 

"  What !  To  that  florid  image  carved  with  a  broad- 
sword ?    I  cannot  believe  it.     'Twould  be  sacrilege." 

"  Rodolph,  since  you  allow  me  to  call  you  so,"  re- 
plied Siegfried,  solemnly,  "  I  have  also  heard  that  you 
yourself  are  hardly  free." 

"  It  is  false,"  cried  the  young  man,  hotly.  "  I  am 
pledged  to  none.  Such  thought  is  utterly  baseless. 
The  Princess  herself  would  be  the  first  to  disclaim  it." 

"  I  mentioned  no  one." 

"  Perhaps  not.     'Tis  false  nevertiieless." 

Two  pikes,  crossed,  barred  their  entrance  under  the 
archway  of  the  gate. 

"  Where  Jrom  ?  " 

"  Frankfort." 

"Your  purpose  in  Treves?  " 

"  We  are  two  silk  merchants.** 

"  Your  papers." 

"Siegfried    handed   down   the    documents  to  the 


t 


TEKLA. 


/t 


\ 


officer  who  demanded  them.  He  scrutinised  them 
closely,  and,  apparently  satisfied,  returned  them. 

"  What  news  from  Frankfort?  How  fares  our  new 
Emperor?"*  he  asked. 

"  He  has  betaken  himself  to  the  Holy  Wars,"  an- 
swered Siegfried. 

"  By  the  Coat  then,  and  are  there  not  blows  enough 
for  him  in  Germany  without  going  abroad  for  them  ? 
I  heard  he  was  more  gallant  than  soldier." 

"  It  is  not  true,"  said  Siegfried,  with  some  sternness. 

"  Soldier  and  gallant  too,  my  friend,"  interjected 
Rodolph,  fearing  that  Siegfried's  loyalty  might  lead 
him  to  indulge  in  censure  which  might  prove  impolitic 
on  the  part  of  those  seeking  entrance,  to  those  who 
were  the  guardians  of  a  gate.  "  Surely  the  two  trades 
have  gone  hand  in  hand  before  now  ?  " 

"Aye,  and  will  again,"  laughed  the  officer,  twirling 
his  moustachei 

Baron  Siegfried  von  Brunfels  now  led  the  way 
through  a  narrow  street,  riding  confidently,  like  a  man 
well  acquainted  with  his  direction.  Avoiding  the  main 
thoroughfare  which  led  to  the  north  gate,  he  turned 
into  what  seemed  little  more  than  a  lane,  and  now 
the  horsemen  were  compelled  to  travel  in  file,  as  the 
way  was  not  broad  enough  for  two  horses  conveniently 
to  walk  abreast.  Neither  were  there  houses  on  each 
side,  as  was  the  case  with  the  street  they  had  just  left, 
but  instead,  blank  walls,  such  as  might  surround  con- 
vents or  monasteries,  as  indeed  they  did.  So  high 
were  these  enclosing  barriers,  that  Rodolph  on  his 
horse  could  not  see  over  them,  and  he  had  the  feeling 
of  a  man  making  his  way  along  the  deep  bottom  of  a 
huge  ditch,  which  impression  was  intensified  by  the 
gathering  gloom  of  approaching  night.  The  lane, 
continually  bending  toward  the  right  of  the  riders, 
came  at  last  to  what  was  quite  evidently  the  city  wall, 
and  on  this  abutted  the  lesser  wall  of  the  monastery 
grounds  on  the  right,  while  that  on  the  left  ran 
(or  some  distance  parallel  to  the  more  lofty  ring  of 


/I 


THE  EMPEROR  ENTERS  TREVES. 


1   them 
)ur  new 


rs,"  an- 


enough 
•  them  ? 

irnness. 
irjected 
ht  lead 
npolitic 
ise  who 
}  trades 

twirling 


le   way 

t  a  man 

le  main 

turned 

"> 

id  now 

I 

,  as  the 

*3 

niently 

'■■: 

n  each 

\ 

ist  left, 

■: 

id  con- 

i 

'1 

o  high 

i 

on  his 

feeling 

I 
t 

m  of  a 

1 
J 

by  the 

'4 

2    lane, 

] 

riders, 

*,• 

:y  wall. 

\ 

lastery 

'■ 

ft    ran 

>« 

ing  of 

stout  masonry  which  encircled  the  city,  leaving  a  narrow 
space  between.  The  ringing  sound  of  the  iron-shod 
hoofs  on  the  stone  causeway  echoed  from  the  ramparts  i 
in  the  deep  stillness.  In  the  distance  a  large  mansion 
built  against  the  city  wall,  stood  across  the  way  and 
ended  the  lane.  The  windows  were  shuttered  and 
heavily  barred  with  iron,  giving  the  building  a  forbid- 
ding, prison-like  appearance.  The  lane  terminated  at 
a  strong  arched  gate,  with  heavy  double  doors  of  oak, 
iron-bolted,  in  one  leaf  of  which  was  a  shuttered 
grating  that,  being  lifted,  enabled  those  within  to  see 
all  who  approached.  The  bastion  to  the  left  ended 
against  the  side  of  this  sinister  house. 

"  By  the  gods.  Baron,"  cried  the  Emperor,  "  it  is 
well  I  have  confidence  in  you,  for  never  was  man 
guided  along  a  more  death-trap  road  to  such  a  sepul- 
chre-looking ending.  What  fortress  have  we  here, 
Siegfried  ?     This  is  no  inn,  surely." 

The  Baron  half  turned  in  his  saddle,  and  spoke  in  a 
voice  so  low  that  its  tone  alone  was  a  hint  against  un- 
necessary conversation. 

"  It  is  my  house,"  he  said.  "  You  will  be  better 
served  and  less  spied  upon  than  at  an  inn." 

A  moment  later  the  Baron,  stoppin<^  at  the  archway, 
but  without  dismounting,  reached  out  his  hand  and 
pulled  an  iron  rod  which  had  a  loop  lower  down  for 
the  convenience  of  one  on  foot.  The  faint  clanging 
of  a  bell,  jangling  far  within,  could  be  heard.  After 
the  echoes  died  away  there  was  a  perceptible  interval, 
then  the  shutter  behind  the  grating  was  noiselessly 
lifted  with  some  caution,  and  a  pair  of  eyes  appeared 
and  disappeared  at  the  iron  network.  Instantly  the 
gates  were  flung  open  and  were  as  speedily  closed 
when  the  horsemen  had  ridden  into  a  courtyard. 

Having  parted  with  their  tired  steeds,  host  and 
guest,  hardly  less  weary  with  their  ride,  mounted  one 
broad  stairway  and  two  narrower  ones,  then  walked 
along  a  passage  that  led  them  to  a  door,  on  opening 
vhich,  Siegfried  conducted  the  Emperor  into  a  large 


m 


TEKLA. 


'//■ 


\     ' 


square  apartment  lighted  by  two  windows  heavily 
barred  outside.  The  inside  shutters  were  open,  and 
Rodolph  looked  over  an  extensive  landscape  bounded 
by  red  cliffs  and  green  hills,  at  the  foot  of  which 
flowed  the  rapid  Moselle.  Although  the  sun  had  gone 
down  and  the  view  was  growing  indistinct  in  the  twi- 
light, Rodolph  went  to  one  of  the  windows  and  gazed 
admiringly  upon  the  prospect.  The  moon,  nearly  at 
the  full,  had  risen,  and  was  already  flooding  the  scene 
with  her  silvery  light. 

"  You  have  a  pleasant  outlook  here,  Siegfried,"  said 
the  Emperor. 

"  Yes,  and  a  safe  one." 

"A  safe  one?"  echoed  Rodolph,  inquiringly. 

"You  see  this  house  is  a  story  higher  than  the  city 
wall.  A  rope  flung  from  that  window  gives  a  hurried 
man  safe  conduct  to  the  open  country  without  the 
necessity  of  passing  through  a  gate." 

"  True,"  said  the  Emperor,  with  a  smile ;  "  but  your 
hurried  man  would  lose  some  valuable  time  in  filing 
through  these  stout  bars.  He  would  be  a  ghost  in- 
deed to  pass  between  them." 

"  Not  if  he  knew  their  secret." 

Saying  this,  Siegfried  laid  hold  of  an  iron  stanchion, 
one  of  two  that  stood  perpendicular  on  either  side  of 
the  window-aperture  from  top  to  ledge,  pressed  against 
the  thick  stonewall.  The  stanchion  left  the  stone  un- 
der Siegfried's  efforts,  and  proved  to  be  shaped  like  an 
elongated  letter  E,  with  three  bolts  of  equal  length  that 
fitted  into  three  holes  drilled  in  the  side  of  the  window- 
opening,  one  at  top  and  bottom,  and  the  third  in  the 
middle.  The  Baron  pushed  outward  the  heavy  iron 
grating,  which  swung  on  hinges,  pulling  from  the  wall 
three  bars  with  round  loops  at  the  end  of  each,  into 
which  the  three  bolts  had  interlocked  when  the  grat- 
ing was  closed,  and  the  E-like  stanchion  placed  in  po- 
sition. 

"A  most  ingenious  arrangement,"  cried  the  Em- 
peror, "  lacking  only  the  rope." 


THE  EMPEROR  ENTERS  TREVES.   ii 


"  A  rope  lies  there,"  said  Siegfried,  kicking  the  coil 
with  his  foot,  where  it  rested  on  the  floor  and  had  es- 
caped notice  in  the  gathering  darkness.  "  It  is  fas- 
tened to  a  ring  in  the  wall." 

"  What  a  device  for  a  lover !  "  exclaimed  Rodolph. 

"  It  is  intended  for  a  man's  safety  rather  than  his 
danger,"  said  Siegfried,  with  the  slightest  possible 
touch  of  austerity  in  his  voice. 

The  Emperor  laughed. 

"  Nevertheless,"  he  said,  "  had  i  my  lady-love  in  this 
house,  I  would  prefer  that  she  knew  not  the  secret  of 
this  window.  But  why  all  these  precautions,  Baron  ? 
They  have  not  been  put  here  because  I  am  your 
visitor,  for  I  think  the  grate  moved  rustily  upon  its 
hinges." 

"  No,  the  window  has  been  as  you  see  it  these  many 
years.  I  do  not  know  its  history.  I  suspect  that  my 
father  found  it  convenient  sometimes  to  slip  out  of 
Treves  \yithout  much  ado,  for  I  know  he  felt  safer  on 
occasion  in  our  strong  Rhine  castle  than  in  this  some- 
times turbulent  city.  I  have  not  interfered  with 
the  device,  although  I  have  seldom  had  need  of  it.  I 
even  keep  up  an  old  custom  of  our  house,  disliking 
change  as  all  my  forefathers  have  done,  although  I 
have  never  profited  by  it." 

"What  old  custom?" 

*'  The  stationing  of  a  sentinel  night  and  day  in 
a  small  room  above  where  we  stand.  When  he  sees 
a  light  in  yonder  house  by  the  river,  or  hears  by 
night  or  day  the  cry  of  a  waterfowl  that  frequents 
the  upper  Rhine,  but  which  is  unknown  on  the 
Moselle,  he  instantly  comes  down  to  this  room,  throws 
open  the  casement  and  flings  out  the  rope.  Al- 
though as  I  said,  I  have  never  had  actual  need  of  this 
method  of  exit  or  entrance,  I  have,  nevertheless,  tested 
the  vigilance  of  my  servants,  and  have  climbed  in 
hand  over  hand." 

"Another  question.  Baron,  and  forgive  my  curi- 
osity.    How  is  it  that  you,  a  noble  and  a  householder 


12 


TEKLA. 


r< 


k 


in  Treves,  enter  the  gates  as, a  silk  merchant  unchal- 
lenged ?    Surely  the  Archbishop  keeps  slack  guard." 

"  Although  I  know  many  of  those  about  the  Arch- 
bishop's Court,  I  am  myself  practically  unknown.  I 
attend  once  a  year,  perhaps,  a  formal  function  in 
Treves,  but  it  is  generally  supposed  I  am  in  my  castle 
on  the  Rhine,  or  at  Frankfort,  which  is  indeed  the 
case.  My  house  attracts  no  attention,  for  it  has 
belonged  to  my  family  for  centuries.  And  now, 
your  Majesty,  the  room  adjoining  this,  and  connected 
with  it,  I  design  for  your  sleeping  apartment,  and  I 
trust  you  will  rest  well  there." 

"  One  more  question,  Siegfried,  in  punishment  for 
the  title  you  have  bestowed  upon  me ;  that  house  by 
the  river — is  it  also  yours?" 

"Yes.  A  small  place,  but  in  some  respects  the 
complement  of  this.  I  keep  there  a  fast  horse,  and  a 
swift  skiff,  sd  that  the  man  in  a  hurry,  of  whom  I 
spoke,  may  betake  himself  either  to  the  road  or  the 
river  as  best  falls  in  with  his  humour  or  necessity." 

"  By  the  gods,  Baron,  and  should  we  find  it  neces- 
sary to  enter  into  a  conspiracy  against  the  great 
Arnold  von  Isenberg,  we  are  reasonably  well  provided 
for  any  emergency." 

"  It  is  said  there  is  nothing  entirely  useless  in  this 
world,  Rodolph,"  answered  the  other,  drily. 

The  Baron  drew  in  the  grating,  replaced  the  three- 
bolted  stanchion,  and  finally  closed  the  inside  shutters. 
A  servant  announced  dinner,  and  Rodolph  betook 
himself  to  his  room  to  prepare  for  it. 


Ml 


CHAPTER  II. 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.       '-       t 

The  Emperor,  having  removed  the  stains  of  travel, 
followed  his  host  downstairs  to  the  banquet  that  had 
been  prepared  for  him,  and  both  fell  to  with  an  appe- 
tite sharpened  by  a  long  journey.  The  white  wines  of 
the  Moselle,  supplemented  by  the  vintage  of  the  Saar, 
speedily  drove  away  all  remembrance  of  the  day's 
fatigue. 

After  the  meal,  the  Baron,  with  a  re-filled  flagon  at 
his  elbow,  stretched  out  his  legs  and  enjoyed  to  the 
full  the  consciousness  that  he  had  been  well  fed  and 
was  comfortably  housed,  with  nothing  more  arduous 
in  prospect  than  an  honestly  earned  night's  repose. 
The  young  Emperor  looked  across  at  this  picture  of 
contentment  with  a  twinkle  in  his  eye. 

"  Siegfried,"  he  said,  "  I  have  a  fancy  for  a  moon- 
light stroll." 

The  Baron  drew  in  his  feet  and  sat  bolt  upright,  an 
expression  of  dismay  coming  into  his  face.  The  sigh 
that  followed,  truly  indicated  what  he  perhaps  hesi- 
tated to  express,  that  he  wished  people  knew  when 
they  were  well  off.  The  Emperor  laughed  heartily 
and  added,  *' You  may  not  have  noticed  that  the 
moon  was  nearly  full." 

"  If  I  had,"  said  the  Baron,  **  I  should  merely  have 
thanked  heaven  for  it,  resolved  to  stay  indoors 
and  follow  her  most  excellent  example.  The  wine 
flagon  has  more  attraction  for  me  than  the  fullest  of 
moons,  and  I  have  some  rare  Rhenish  in  my  cellars  re- 
garding which  I  was  about  to  invite  your  criticism — 
a  more  potent  vintage  than  this  of  the  Saar." 


i 


14 


TEKLA. 


r » 


"  The  Rhenish  will  be  still  older  when  we  return, 
Siegfried." 

"  Indeed,  and  that  is  true,  Rodolph.  It  may  have 
aged  so  much  that  our  heirs  shall  have  the  enjoyment 
of  drinking  it.  The  man  who  leaves  a  secure  door 
in  Treves  to  stroll  by  moonlight  has  no  surety  of  ever 
reaching  it  again.  A  slit  throat  is  an  ill  conduit  for 
sound  Rhenish." 

"Is  Treves,  then,  so  turbulent?  I  thought  the 
Archbishop  kept  strict  rule." 

"  Much  goes  on  in  Treves  that  the  Archbishop 
knows  nothing  of,  as  our  own  presence  here  is  witness. 
The  town  is  full  of  soldiers  and  bravos.  There  are 
many  outbreaks  in  the  streets,  and  a  brawl  might  be 
fatal  to  your  plans.  We  should  assuredly  be  stopped 
and  questioned,  and  we  might  have  to  trust  to  our 
swords." 

**  You  think  then,  a  jaunt  in  the  country  would  be 
safer  than  a  moonlight  stroll  in  the  city  ?  " 

•♦  I  do  indeed." 

"  That  tallies  exactly  with  my  purpose.  Never  say 
again  that  I  disregard  your  advice,  for  it  is  not  your 
secure  door  I  would  leave,  but  your  insecure  window, 
trusting  to  find  the  rope  dangling  there  when  we  re- 
turn. I  am  anxious  to  test  your  ingenious  device  of 
exit  and  entrance.  We  shall  walk  to  the  river,  and 
you  will  make  me  free  of  your  boat  and  your  fleet 
horse.  It  is  well  that  your  servants  at  that  small 
house  on  the  Moselle  should  know  me,  for  if  I  enact 
the  part  of  your  man  in  a  hurry,  it  would  avail  me 
little  to  scramble  down  the  city  wall,  while  you  bravely 
kept  the  outer  door  with  your  sword  against  the 
minions  of  Arnold,  if  your  own  minions  by  the  river 
refused  further  means  of  escape." 

"  That  is  true,  but  we  are  safe  here  for  the  night 
and  may  we  not  without  prejudice  put  off  further 
action  until  to-morrow?" 

**  There  speaks  the  comforting  i!agon.  Baron.  You 
are  too  well  versed  in  siege  and  surprise  not  to  know 


le  river 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  15 

that  every  precaution  should  be  taken,  and  that  no 
moment  is  too  soon  for  doing  what  reconnoitering 
there  is  to  be  accomplished.  I  would  not  ask  you  to 
accompany  me,  were  it  not  that  I  need  your  intro- 
duction in  the  house  by  the  river." 

This  brought  Siegfried  instantly  to  his  feet. 

"  Where  you  go,  I  go,  introduction  or  none.  Let 
us  then  to  the  window  before  the  night  grows  older." 

They  mounted  the  stairs  again,  and  unbolted  the 
swinging  window-grate.  The  Baron  going  first,  slid 
swiftly  down  the  rope,  and  a  moment  after  he  reached 
the  ground,  the  Emperor  followed.  Directly  under 
the  wall,  they  were  in  the  shadow,  but  the  broad  plain 
before  them,  and  the  cliffs  beyond,  lay  distinct  in 
the  moonlight.  The  small  riverside  hamlet,  towards 
which  they  bent  their  steps,  showed  here  and  there  a 
few  twinkling  lights,  to  guide  them.  The  plain  was 
ncultivated,  covered  with  thick  rank  grass,  which 
2emed  to  betoken  a  marshy  nature  of  the  soil,  but  the 
ground  was  nevertheless  firm  underfoot.  The  Baron, 
as  best  knowing  the  way,  took  the  lead,  wading  knee- 
deep  in  the  thick  grass,  a  id  was  silent,  thinking  rather 
of  the  luxury  of  bench  and  wine-laden  table  than  of 
the  expedition  in  hand. 

The  night  was  very  quiet,  the  stillness  being  broken, 
now  and  then,  by  the  far-away  cry  of  some  sentinel 
on  the  wall  proclaiming  that  all  was  well,  and  that 
peace  reigned  over  Treves,  invoking  piously  a  blessing 
on  the  sleeping  city — which  Christian  benediction  was  a 
duty  resting  on  all  who  kept  watch  and  guard  for  that 
Prince  of  the  Church,  the  Archbishop. 

The  pair  walked  in  silence  as  had  been  arranged, 
and  the  first  to  violate  the  compact  was  the  Baron, 
who  stumbling  over  something,  pitched  head-foremost, 
uttering  a  good  round  Rhenish  oath  as  he'  did  so. 
The  laugh  on  the  Emperor's  lips  was  checked  by  the 
sudden  springing  up,  as  if  from  out  the  earth,  of  a 
man  apparently  fully  armed,  who  instantly  put  himself 
in  a  posture  of  defence.     Simultaneously  the  swords 


!'i 


i6 


TEKLA. 


V 


i  I 


\\ 


\'' 


of  Rodolph  and  Siegfried  flashed  from  their  scabbards, 
and  the  Baron,  finding  the  stranger  had  leaped  up  be- 
tween him  and  his  friend,  rapidly  executed  a  semi-cir- 
cular retreat,  and  stood  at  the  side  of  the  Emperor, 
while  the  unexpected  third,  moving  as  on  a  pivot,  faced 
Siegfried,  with  a  stout  sword  in  his  hand,  making,  how- 
ever, no  motion  of  attack. 

"If  you  propose  to  fight  me  togethf'r,"  said  the 
stranger,  quietly,  "permit  me  to  stoop  u  iscathed  for 
my  pike,  but  if  you  are  content  to  fall  upon  me  one 
at  a  time,  I  shall  be  happy  to  meet  you  as  I  am,  al- 
though you  have  the  advantage  of  the  longer  blade." 

"  What  need  to  fight  at  all  ?  "  asked  the  Emperor. 
"  We  are  no  enemies  of  thine." 

"  If,  as  I  take  it,  you  are  marauders  seeking  gain 
from  belated  wayfarers,  it  is  but  honest  to  tell  you 
that,  in  case  of  victory,  which  is  doubtful,  seeing  you 
are  but  two  ;and  Germans  at  that,  there  is  little  to  be 
picked  from  me  but  hard  knocks,  or,  given  a  proper 
distance,  a  well-placed  shaft  which  you  would  find 
harder  to  digest  than  anything  you  have  taken  in- 
wardly this  some  time  past.  I  say  this  but  in  the  way 
of  fair  dealing  as  between  man  and  man,  to  prevent 
after  disappointment,  and  not  as  prejudicing  a  fair 
encounter  should  your  inclination  tend  in  that  direc- 
tion. 

"  F-^llow,  we  are  no  marauders,  but  peaceable  mer- 
chants from  Treves." 

"  Then  the  merchandise  you  deal  in  must  pertain  to 
combat,  for  you  came  more  deftly  by  your  blades 
than  any  yard-stick-handler  I  have  met  with  in  all  my 
wanderings.  I  know  a  well-hung  weapon  when  I  see 
it,  ready  for  thrust  or  parry,  yet  carried  with  seeming 
carelessness,  as  if  nothing  were  further  from  your 
minds  than  either  assault  or  defence." 

"  You  are  a  shrewd  fellow,"  said  the  Emperor. 
"  Why  lie  you  here  in  ambush  ?  " 

"  It  is  no  ambush  other  than  one  to  capture  sleep, 
which  I  had  in  thrall  when  your  comrade  trod  on  my 


''-hi 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  17 

stomach  and  straightway  rescued  and  put  to  flight  my 
drowsy  prisoner." 

"And  can  a  man  of  your  ability  provide  yourself 
with  no  better  bed  than  one  in  the  high  grass  by  the 
side  of  the  Moselle  ?  " 

"  There  .>  little  to  complain  of  in  the  bed,  my  Led, 
for  I  take  you  to  be  no  merchant,  but  a  person  of 
quality.  A  bed  is  but  a  place  in  which  to  sleep,  and 
where  slumber  comes,  the  bed  has  served  its  purpose. 
I  have  before  now  laid  down  my  head  within  walls 
and  under  roof  in  circumstances  of  such  uncertainty 
that  a  man  slept  at  the  risk  of  a  slit  throat,  while  here 
the  bed  is  wide  with  no  danger  of  falling  out,  having 
good  fighting  ground,  if  one  is  molested,  and  ample 
space  for  Hight  should  opposition  over-match  me. 
There  is  small  fault  to  find  with  such  a  resting-place." 

*'  You  are  easily  contented,  but  surely  you  should 
have  a  cloak  to  ward  off,  partly  at  least,  the  dews  of 
night." 

"  A  cloak,  my  Lord,  although  I  admit  its  comfort, 
hampers  a  man  suddenly  awakened ;  still  I  should 
doubtless  succumb  to  its  temptations  did  I  not  need 
it  for  the  protection  of  a  weapon  that  I  love  even 
more  than  the  pampering  of  my  own  body." 

Saying  this,  the  man  stooped  and  lifted  from  the 
ground  a  cloak  which  he  unfolded  drawing  from 
cover  an  unstrung  bow  somewhat  longer  than  himself. 
Resting  one  end  on  the  ground  against  his  foot,  and 
bending  the  upper  part  over  his  shoulder,  he  deftly 
slipped  the  loop  of  the  cord  into  its  notch,  and 
twanged  the  string,  making  it  give  forth  a  musical  note 
that  vibrated  melodiously  in  the  still  air. 

"  There,  my  Lord,  is  a  one-stringed  harp,  which  sings 
of  sudden  death  and  nothing  else.  Were  it  as  good 
at  arm's  length  as  it  is  at  stone's  throw,  I  should 
cumber  myself  with  no  other  weapon  ;  but  it  is  as 
delicate  and  capricious  as  a  woman,  and  must  betaken 
care  of.  So  in  the  dampness  of  the  river  valley  I  wrap 
it  in  my  cloak  to  keep  the  moisture  from  it." 


w 


i8 


TEKLA. 


'I 


**  I  should  think  so  tender  a  weapon  would  be  of 
little  use  in  the  rough  and  tumble  of  actual  war." 

**  There  speaks  the  unenlightened  German  !  A  slen- 
der shaft  like  this,  two  hundred  years  ago,  killed  a 
king  and  lost  my  country  to  the  Normans.  The  Ger- 
man swine  are  as  gross  in  their  killing  as  in  their  eat- 
ing. They  appreciate  not  delicacy  in  death,  but  must 
needs  mutilate  the  image  of  their  Creator,  slicing  him 
with  huge  two-handed  swords,  or  battering  his  head 
with  battle-axe,  but  a  gentle  arrow,  truly  sped,  passing 
daintily  through  an  enemy,  dipping  its  fleecy  wing  in 
the  red  core  of  his  heart,  leaving  little  mark  to  attest 
its  passage,  and  furnishing  thereby  a  corpse  that  is  a 
delight  to  look  upon,  gives  no  pleasure  to  this  uncivi- 
lised people." 

'*  You  forget,  fellow,  that  you  are  speaking  to  Ger- 
mans, and  also  that  we  have  had  the  cross-bow  for 
centuries,  as  well  as  instruments  not  dissimilar  to 
thine,"  cried  the  Baron,  with  natural  indignation  at 
the  bowman's  strictures. 

"Hush,  Siegfried,"  whispered  the  Emperor,  "let 
him  babble  on.  Surely  the  conceit  of  the  rascal  shows 
he  comes  from  England." 

"  I  am  a  free  man,"  continued  the  archer,  calmly, 
"  and  am  used  to  speak  my  mind,  but  I  seek  not  to 
shirk  responsibility  for  my  words.  If  any,  hearing; 
me,  take  just  offence  at  the  tenour  of  my  expression^;, 
I  shall  not  deny  him  opportunity  for  satisfaction, 
under  the  equitable  rule  that  the  victor  enter  into 
possession,  not  thereafter  to  be  disputed,  of  the  I  e- 
longings  of  the  conquered.  On  these  terms  therefore 
I  shall  be  pleased  to  uphold  against  you,  sir,  the 
truth  of  my  remarks  about  the  German  people,  your 
friend  seeing  fair  combat  betwixt  us." 

"  I  cannot  demean  myself  by  fighting  with  a  fellow 
of  your  quality." 

"  Those  are  high  words  to  be  spoken  by  an  honest 
merchant,  the  progeny  of  a  yard-stick,  a  class  over 
which  we  men-at-arms  hold  ourselves  the  superior.     In 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  19 

a  fair  field  all  men,  bearing  arms,  willing  to  submit  to 
the  arbitration  thereof,  are  considered  equal.  King 
William,  perhaps  with  some  justice  surnamed  the 
Conqueror,  questioned  not  the  quality  of  a  yeoman 
who  hotly  beset  him  at  the  battle  of  Hastings,  but 
honoured  the  man  by  cleaving  him  to  the  midriff  with 
his  battle-axe,  the  which  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  the 
yeoman's  descendants  to  this  day.  But  touching  the 
use  of  the  long  bow,  I  grant  that  you  may  well  make 
some  demur  regarding  unproven  statements,  if  you 
have  seen  no  better  examples  of  its  merits  than  is 
shown  by  your  German  archers,  who  lazily  prefer  the 
cumbrous  cross-bow  with  a  stake  upright  in  the  ground 
to  steady  it,  necessitating  thus  a  clumsy  equipment 
hardly  more  portable  than  a  catapult  itself,  whereas 
this  fibrous  length  of  toughened  yew  can  be  held 
lightly  in  the  outstretched  left  hand,  and  given  but 
the  skill  behind  it,  will  nip  you  off  a  dozen  men  while 
the  cross-bow  villain  is  planting  his  marvellous  engine. 
But  let  the  arrow  sing  its  own  praises.  You  see  yon- 
der sentinel  pacing  back  and  forth  in  the  moonlight 
on  the  wall  near  the  gate.  I  will  wing  you  a  shaft 
through  him,  and  he  will  never  know  whence  comes 
the  summons  to  a  less  contentious  world." 

Saying  this,  the  bowman  placed  an  arrow  on  the 
string  with  much  deliberation  and  was  about  to  raise 
his  weapon  when  Rodolph  and  Siegfried,  with  simulta- 
neous movement,  sprang  between  the  unconscious 
victim  and  the  foreigner. 

"Good  Heavens!  What  are  you  setting  out  to 
do  ? "  cried  the  Emperor.  "  Would  you  slay  an  inno- 
cent man,  and  bring  a  hornet's  nest  unnecessarily 
about  our  ears?" 

"  The  hornets  would  not  know  whither  to  fly.  The 
man  would  drop  inside  the  wall  most  likely,  or  outside 
perchance,  but  no  one  could  tell  from  which  direction 
the  shaft  had  sped,  or  whether  it  was  let  loose  from 
city  or  country.  I  hold  no  malice  against  the  sentinel, 
but  merely  offered   this  example  in  proof   of   what  I 


!f 


20 


TEKLA. 


spoke.  Indeed  I  myself  would  be  the  only  one  put 
to  inconvenience  by  the  shot,  for  you  carry  no  bow 
and  it  is  likely  they  would  see  by  the  shaft  when  they 
got  it,  that  it  differs  from  those  in  use  hereabouts,  for 
the  Germans  have  small  skill  in  arrow-making ;  besides 
I  did  myself  twice  these  last  two  days  endeavour  to 
gain  entrance  to  that  stupid  city,  hoping  to  win  ap- 
pointment to  the  Archbishop's  train,  and  may  have 
mentioned  something  to  the  guardsmen  at  the  gate 
of  my  own  merit  with  the  bow-string,  but  they,  on 
both  occasions,  refused  admission  unless  I  were  pro- 
vided with  passports,  the  which,  of  course,  I  could  not 
show." 

"  Why  do  you  travel,  or  expect  admittance  to  a 
walled  town  without  papers  of  identification  ?  " 

"  You  have  asked  me  many  questions  and  answered 
none,  excepting  that  about  your  occupation,  which  I 
take  to  be  devoid  of  truth, — nay,  no  offence  is  meant, 
for  I  hold  it  each  man's  priv^ilcge  to  lie  to  any  chance 
wayfarer  as  may  suit  his  purpose,  and  I  myself  never 
cling  to  truth  longer  than  my  necessity  serves.  Are 
you  then  adherents  of  the  Archbishop  and  have  you 
any  influence  with  his  Lordship  such  as  might  bend 
him  to  look  with  favour  on  my  desire  for  employ- 
ment ?  " 

"  We  are  not  known  to  the  Archbishop,  therefore 
have  no  influence  with  him.  I  come  from  Frankfort 
and  my  friend  from  the  Rhine.  We  are  but  visitors 
here,  and  so  in  some  measure  similar  to  yourself." 

**  I  take  that  to  be  well  and  truly  answered.  I  shall 
deal  with  you  in  equal  honesty.  My  papers  would  be 
small  recommendation  to  Arnold  von  Isenberg,  for  they 
truly  show  that  in  his  last  campaign  I  fought  manfully 
against  him.  But  peace  being  unfortunately  declared, 
I  am  now  in  want  of  occupation.  Know  you  of  any 
noble  in  need  of  an  unerring  bow  and  a  courageous 
heart  at  threepence  a  day,  with  victualling,  and  such 
lodgment  as  a  man,  who  cares  not  where  he  sleeps, 
may  require  ?** 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  21 


"  I  have  no  need  of  such  a  warrior,"  replied  the 
Baron,  "  but  a  man,  expert  at  ridding  the  world  of  his 
fellow-creatures,  would  find  more  to  do  in  the  turbu- 
lent valley  of  the  Rhine  than  in  the  more  peaceful  vale 
of  the  Moselle.  Here  the  nobles  are  awed  by  the 
Archbishop,  and  when  he  is  not  in  arms,  the  country 
rests,  but  on  the  Rhine  the  Barons  are  at  continual 
feud  and  there  is  no  strong  hand  to  restrain  them." 

"You  forget  the  Emperor,"  said  Rodolph,  in  a  tone 
of  mild  reproach. 

"He,  alas!  has  gone  to  fight  the  Saracens,"  ans- 
wered the  Baron,  with  calm  mendacity. 

"  Ah,  would  he  had  taken  me  with  him,"  sighed  the 
archer.  "  I  have  heard  that  Eastern  bowmen  have 
much  skill  in  the  art,  and  I  would  like  to  have  tried 
conclusions  with  some  of  them.  In  truth,  I  had 
thought  of  going  to  Frankfort  when  I  heard  some  ru- 
mour of  the  Em.peror's  departure.  As  there  is  little 
use  in  knocking  at  the  door  of  Treves  I  will  on  the 
morrow  set  my  face  down  the  Moselle  toward  the 
Rhine,  in  hope  of  falling  among  a  less  peaceably  in- 
clined people.  And  now,  my  Lords,  as  it  seems  we 
can  be  of  little  use  to  each  other,  I  will,  if  it  p' ?ase 
you,  go  once  more  to  my  interrupted  sleep  and  allow 
you  to  proceed  on  your  interrupted  journey." 

The  archer,  as  he  said  this,  unstrung  his  bow,  and 
carefully  wrapped  it  once  more  in  his  cloak.  With 
little  ceremony  he  prepared  to  lie  down  on  the  grassy 
couch  from  which  he  had  risen. 

"  If  I  cannot  give  you  employment,"  began  the 
Baron,  "  I  can  at  least  offer  you  a  more  comfortable 
sleeping-place  than  the  one  in  which  I  x  ave  been  the 
means  of  disturbing  you.  We  are  going  to  my  house 
on  the  river,  and  I  think  n.y  .ervant  can  provide  you 
with  a  heap  of  straw  where  you  will  have  a  roof  over 
your  head.  Then  you  can  proceed  on  your  way  down 
the  river  unmolested  in  the  morning." 

"Indeed,"  answered  the  bowman,  indifferently,  "in 
so  far  as  the  roof  and  the  straw  are  concerned  I  would 


If 

Hi 


22 


TEKLA. 


not  travel  a  shaft's  flight  to  secure  them.  I  can  sleep 
refreshingly  wherever  my  head  touches  pillow,  be  it 
earth,  stone,  or  straw,  but  if  your  generosity  advances 
itself  so  far  as  to  include  a  yard  of  beef  and  a  stoup  of 
wine  I  will  not  say  I  shall  altogether  and  in  spite  of 
proper  persuasions,  refuse." 

"  I  am  unacquainted  with  the  present  condition  of 
my  servant's  larder,  but  as  he  looks  to  his  own  proven- 
der at  my  expense,  I  doubt  not  he  will  be  well  pro- 
vided, and  the  chance  may  strike  you  as  worth  the 
risk  of  a  brief  walk." 

For  answer  the  archer  thrust  his  short  hanger  into 
the  leathern  sheath  prepared  for  it,  which  hung  at  his 
belt,  lifted  his  cloak-enveloped  bow,  and  also  a  long 
pike,  and  thus  accoutred  signified  his  readiness  to  fol- 
low them. 

They  marched  in  file,  the  Baron  leading  and  the 
archer  bringing  up  the  rear,  reaching  without  further 
adventure  the  margin  of  the  swift  flowing  Moselle, 
then  proceeded  along  its  bank  until  they  came  to 
the  first  house  in  the  small  hamlet  of  Zurlauben, 
where  the  procession  paused,  and  its  leader  rapped 
lightly  at  the  door  of  the  dark  dwelling.  The  only  re- 
sponse was  the  baying  of  a  hound  within,  and  the  low 
neigh  of  a  horse  in  the  adjoining  outhouse.  A  louder 
knock  merely  resulted  in  a  deeper  bay  from  the  hound. 

"  He  is  perhaps  asleep,"  said  the  Baron.  "  The  ras- 
cal keeps  early  hours." 

*'  More  likely  he  is  absent,"  suggested  the  Emperor. 

The  two  went  partly  round  the  house,  which  was 
built  with  half  of  it  resting  on  the  river  bank,  while 
the  other  half  was  supported  by  piles  rising  from  the 
water.  This  lower  portion  was  enclosed,  and  had  a 
door  that  allowed  the  skiff  to  be  taken  in  or  out.  The 
Baron,  noticing  that  the  water  door  was  ajar,  pushed 
it  further  tpen  with  his  sword,  and  bending  over,  en- 
deavour, to  peer  inside,  as  well  as  the  darkness 
would  allcv   him. 

**  The  boat  is  gone,"  he  said  ;  "  the  fellow  evidently 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  23 

fancies  a  moonlight  row.     I  shall  hold  some  account 
with  him  when  he  returns." 

"  I  think  he  owes  you  an  explanation,"  replied  Ro- 
dolph.  "  It  would  be  somewhat  inconvenient  were 
the  Archbishop's  troops  after  us,  and  we  desired  to 
escape  by  the  water." 

The  Baron  said  nothing,  but  his  black  looks  boded 
ill  for  the  absent  menial. 

"  Some  apology  is  due  to  the  archer  for  a  postponed 
supper,"  continued  Rodolph.  *'  Let  us  quit  this  muddy 
spot  and  discharge  that  duty,  in  the  hope  that  his  con- 
versation may  strengthen  our  patience  while  we  wait." 

They  climbed  up  the  bank  and  came  again  to  the 
front  of  the  house,  where  they  found  the  bowman 
fully  accoutred,  sitting  with  his  back  against  the  wall, 
his  head  inclined  on  one  shoulder,  sound  asleep.  The 
moonlight  shone  upon  him,  and  he  snored  gently. 

'*  His  peaceful  slumber  is  certainly  a  mark  of  con- 
fidence in  his  host.  Blessed  is  he  who  can  sleep  when 
he  wills,"  said  the  Emperor,  looking  down  upon  him. 
"  If  the  fellow's  skill  at  all  equals  his  boasting,  I  might 
do  worse  than  send  him  to  Frankfort,  to  instruct  a 
band  of  archers  that  would  give  good  account  of  them- 
selves in  time  of  trouble." 

"  To  whom  in  Frankfort  could  you  send  him,  and 
whom  should  the  bowman  name  as  his  sponsor  when 
he  arrived  there?  If  he  said  he  was  sent  by  a  worthy 
merchant  in  Treves,  I  doubt  if  he  would  receive  much 
attention  when  his  journey  was  completed." 

"That  is  true,"  returned  Rodolph.  "  I  fear  I  must 
part  company  with  him  when  we  have  fed  him.  Still 
I  should  like  to  see  some  sample  of  his  skill  before  we 
dismiss  him." 

"  That  is  easily  tested  if  he  does  not  shrink  from  the 
trial.  On  the  other  side  of  the  river  I  see  rising  and 
flying  further  up  first  one  heron,  and  then  another, 
from  which  I  surmise  that  my  rascal  is  working  his 
way  homeward  in  the  skiff  along  the  further  shore, 
where  the  current  is  slackest.     He  seems  to  be  dis- 


24 


TEKLA. 


turbing  the  birds  and  so  this  some  time  back  I  have 
noted  his  slow  progress.  If  our  archer  can  wing  you 
one  of  these  long-legged  fowls,  we  may  well  believe 
he  could  have  surprised  the  sentinel. 

"  Hey,  bowman,"  continued  the  Baron,  stirring  up 
the  sleeper  with  his  foot,  "  I  hear  my  servant  coming 
and  we  will  be  in  presently.  But  first  we  would  like 
to  hear  the  hum  of  your  bow-string,  if  your  skill  has 
not  deserted  you  since  you  had  sinister  designs  on  the 
sentinel  above  the  gate." 

The  archer  had  sprung  to  his  feet,  wide-awake,  the 
moment  he  felt  a  touch  upon  his  body. 

*'  You  can  hardly  expect  me  to  bring  down  a  man 
on  Treves'  wall  from  here,"  he  said,  casting  his  eye 
toward  the  city.  *'  My  shaft  does  not  live  in  the  air 
longer  than  one  may  slowly  count  a  score.  Neverthe- 
less I  am  willing  to  try,  although  I  cannot  guarantee 
a  pleasurable  resiult." 

"  We  set  no  such  impossibility  before  the  strength 
of  your  weapon  ;  what  we  desire " 

"  Nay,  I  spoke  not  of  impossibility,  but  of  surety," 
interrupted  the  archer.  *'  I  can  throw  you  an  arrow 
high  in  the  air  and  can  guarantee  that  it  will  fall  within 
Treves  or  not  far  short  of  it,  but  to  say  definitely  that 
it  will  hit  such  and  such  a  button  in  a  man's  doublet 
at  that  distance,  would  be  wild  prophecy,  for  you  can- 
not predict  the  home-coming  of  a  descending  shaft, 
from  which,  as  it  were,  the  life  and  vigour  of  it  has 
departed,  as  you  can  the  unerringness  of  an  arrow 
spec  horizontally,  retaining  the  message  given  to  it  by 
thumb  and  fingers  until  it  reaches  the  person  to  whom 
admonition  is  thus  forwarded  through  its  agency." 

While  he  spoke  the  archer  had  unwound  the  cloak 
from  the  bow  and  now  he  strung  the  weapon  with  anx- 
ious care,  after  which  he  plucked  a  shaft  from  the 
quiver  that  hung  at  his  back. 

"  There  are  herons  rising  ever  and  anon  from  yonder 
bank.  The  darkness  of  the  cliff  somewhat  obscures 
them,  and  they  hang  not  out  against  the  sky  like  your 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  25 

soldier  on  the  wall.  Nevertheless  the  moon  shines 
fairly  on  them  and  the  distance  is  less,  so  I  beg  of  you 
to  show  us  your  skill  upon  the  body  of  the  next  that 
comes  between  us  and  the  rocks." 

"  Now  the  Fiend  fry  me  on  his  gridiron,"  cried  the 
archer,  glancing  at  the  opposite  cliffs,  "  I  would  rather 
shoot  you  ten  soldiers  than  one  bird  flapping  through 
the  air,  for  that  asks  of  a  bowman  the  measuring  of 
the  distance  the  heron  will  advance  from  the  time  the 
arrr  leaves  the  string  until  it  coincides  with  its  quarry, 
the  which  renders  necessary  also  the  nice  adjustment 
by  the  eye  of  the  space  between  myself  and  the  bird, 
a  difficult  enough  task  in  broad  day,  causing  such  a 
venture  in  the  night  to  mix  more  blind  chance  with 
marksmanship  than  any  one  not  versed  in  necromancy 
should  be  called  upon  to  endure." 

"  So  this  is  the  outcome  of  your  bragging!"  cried 
the  Baron,  already  angered  by  the  absence  of  his  ser- 
vant. "  You  well  knew  we  would  allow  no  shots  at  a 
soldier  and  so  you  boasted  safely.  When  a  fair  mark 
is  offered  you,  then  come  excuses  and  the  making  of 
conditions.  I  have  a  mind,  braggart,  to  lay  my  sword 
across  your  back,  or  rather  a  stout  cudgel  which  would 
better  accord  with  your  condition." 

The  archer  stepped  rapidly  away  from  them  at  this 
threat  and  said,  with  arrow  still  notched  on  the 
string : 

"  If  you  meditate  any  such  breach  of  a  hospitality 
which  I  accepted  at  your  proffer,  and  not  of  my  own 
seeking,  I  would  tell  you  first  that  I  am  a  free  man, 
formal  engagement  having  been  refused  by  you,  so 
keep  your  cudgels  for  your  laggard  who  deserves 
them,  as  standing  thus  by  his  delay  between  a  hungry 
man  and  his  meat ;  while  secondly  I  would  inform  you 
that  on  the  attempt  at  my  chastisement,  seeing  the 
same  is  unmerited,  I  would  first  put  this  shaft  through 
you  and  then  its  mate  into  the  middle  of  your  com- 
rade, before  he  could  lift  foot  to  help  you,  and  neither 
of  you  would   complain   of    any  inaccuracy  of  aim, 


26 


TEKLA. 


r  t 


\ 


1: 


^Im 


! 


swift  as  the  shafts  would  follow  each  other.  So 
advance  one  or  both  at  your  peril." 

"Tush,  tush,"  cried  the  Emperor,  "no  one  will  mo- 
lest you.  While  you  chatter  the  heron  escapes. 
There  is  one  rising  even  now  and  will  vanish  like  his 
companions  unscathed." 

The  archer  turned  quickly  to  the  north,  his  bow 
hanging  almost  horizontally  in  his  left  hand.  He 
seemed  in  no  hurry  to  shoot,  but  watched  the  bird 
beating  the  air  heavily  with  its  huge  wings,  its  long  legs 
trailing  behind,  making  seemingly  slow  and  laborious 
motion  across  the  moonlit  face  of  the  opposite  cliff. 
Suddenly  the  archer,  having  to  his  satisfaction 
measured  the  distance  with  his  eye,  straightened  him- 
self, lifted  his  bow  to  the  perpendicular,  drew  back 
the  string  to  his  right  ear,  and  apparently  taking  no 
aim,  let  fly  the  shaft  into  the  night.  He  leaned  for- 
ward, trying  to  'watch  its  flight,  but  none  saw  the 
arrow  after  it  left  the  bow.  The  heron,  however,  with 
a  cry  of  affright,  plunged  downward,  and  whirled  over 
and  over  until  it  struck  the  water  with  a  splash. 

**  Nevertheless,"  said  the  archer,  in  a  dissatisfied  tone, 
"  'tis  no  fair  test,  and  is,  like  enough,  pure  accident." 

"  It  is  a  marvellous  shot,"  cried  the  Emperor,  with 
enthusiasm,  '*  and  such  art  is  wondrous  cheap  at  three- 
pence a  day." 

"  With  lodgment  and  provender,"  added  the 
archer,  once  more  unstringing  his  bow. 

"  Here,  if  your  pouch  has  no  hole  in  the  bottom  of 
it,  is  three  months'  pay,  which  will  not  come  amiss  in 
your  journey  down  the  Moselle." 

"I  thank  your  Lordship,"  said  the  man,  taking  the 
money  with  great  readiness,  "  this  is  more  to  my  liking 
than  offers  of  cudgelling." 

"And  when  you  hear  that  the  Emperor  has  returned 
to  Frankfort  I  would  strongly  advise  you  to  go  thither, 
for  he  is  a  lover  of  good  qualities  wherever  found.  As 
for  the  offer  of  cudgelling,  'twas  but  a  jest,  or  at 
most  the  outcome  of  the  delay  of  our  custodian." 


THE  ARCHER  INTRODUCES  HIMSELF.  27 


"Here  he  is,"  said  the  Baron.  "I  think  he  will 
speedily  regret  his  absence." 

Across  the  moonlit  river,  in  a  small  boat  that 
drifted  sideways  rapidly  in  the  swift  current,  a  man 
rowed  with  sturdy  strokes.  The  two  who  awaited 
him  stood  silently  on  the  bank  and  watched  his  ap- 
proach. The  archer  had  already  seated  himself  with 
his  back  to  the  wall,  and  was  snatching  a  moment's 
repose. 

As  the  boatman  ceased  rowing  and  allowed  his 
craft  to  float  down  to  its  harbour,  the  Baron  said 
sternly : 

"  Get  inside  as  speedily  as  you  may  and  undo  the 
door.     Then  I  will  have  a  word  with  you." 

A  few  moments  later  there  was  a  rattle  of  chains 
and  bolts,  the  door  was  thrown  open,  and  gave  the 
visitors  a  glimpse  of  a  young  man  with  white  face  and 
trembling  limbs. 


V 


I'      ! 


CHAPTER  III. 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD  OF  THEMSELVES. 


I 


"  Come,  archer,"  said  the  Baron,  "  arouse  yourself. 
I  have  work  for  you  to  do." 

**  Not  before  the  meal,  I  hope,"  objected  the  man, 
rising  to  his  feet. 

"  Yes  ;  but  it  will  not  detain  you  long,  and  the  sup- 
per shall  be  spread  before  your  sight,  to  quicken  your 
hand." 

They  entered  a  lower  room,  long  and  narrow, 
rneagrely  lurnished,  containing  a  rough  table  thrust 
against  the  wall  next  the  river,  with  two  benches,  on 
one  of  which  the  Emperor  seated  himself.  The  trap- 
door by  which  the  man  had  ascended  was  still  open  and 
the  gurgling  sound  of  flowing  water  came  up.  The 
hound  crouched  in  a  corner,  and  eyed  the  visitors  with 
lips  drawn  back  from  his  teeth,  utt'^ring  a  low  growl, 
as  if  he  did  not  like  the  situation  so  '  '  -^Iv  pre- 
sented to  him.  The  man  who  was  the  cause  ot  il  all, 
liked  it  even  less,  and  stood  dumb,  as  one  paralysed 
with  fright. 

*'  Close  the  trap-door,"  said  the  Baron,  shortly.  The 
man  obeyed  the  order. 

"  Set  a  light  in  the  upper  window  toward  Treves." 

The  serva*.  t  disappeared  up  a  ladder,  set  the  light, 
and  returned. 

"  Place  on  the  table  supper  for  one,  and  a  large  fla- 
gon of  wine." 

When  this  was  accomplished,  the  servant,  who  had 
throughout  spoken  no  word,  moving  mechanically  to 
and  fro  like  one  walking  in  a  dream,  stood  once  more 
before  his  angry  master. 


li 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       29 

"  Take  your  place  with  your  back  against  that  wall." 

The  man,  breathing  hard,  but  still  silent,  stood  up 
at  the  end  of  the  room,  his  wide  eyes  fastened  in  a 
hypnotism  of  fear  on  his  master. 

"  Now,  archer,  I  am  ready.  Notch  a  shaft  on  your 
string  and  pin  me  this  deserter  though  the  heart  to 
the  wall." 

The  archer,  whose  eyes  had  been  riveted  on  the  viands 
set  on  the  table,  impatiently  waiting  the  word  to  set 
to,  withdrew  them  with  reluctance  and  turned  them 
towards  the  victim  who  stood  dumb  and  motionless  at 
the  other  end  of  the  room. 

*'  I  am  as  loath  to  keep  good  victuals  waiting  as  any 
man  in  the  Archbishopric,  but,  my  Lord,  I  have  failed 
to  make  plain  to  you  the  nature  of  my  calling.  I  am 
no  executioner,  but  a  soldier,  if  you  give  yonder 
fellow  a  blade  in  his  hand  to  protect  himself,  I  will  be 
glad  to  carve  him  into  as  many  pieces  as  may  please 
your  Lordship,  but  to  draw  bow  on  an  unarmed  man  at 
ten  paces  is  a  misuse  of  a  noble  weapon,  and  the  request 
to  do  so,  were  it  not  that  this  good  flagon  yearns  for 
lips  '-'-  meet  it,  I  would  construe  it  into  an  insult  to 
myself,  warranting  a  hostile  encounter." 

"You  were  not  so  choice  v 'len  you  proposed  to 
slaughter  an  innocent  man  on  tl  j  walls.  Here  stands 
a  traitor,  who  has  deserted  his  post  and  richly  earned 
his  death,  yet  you " 

"  The  man  on  the  wall,  my  Lord,  was  a  soldier,  at 
that  moment  bearing  arms  and  enjoying  pay  for  the 
risks  he  ran.  When  I  myself  mount  guard  I  make  no 
objection  to  your  German  cross-bowmen  practising  at 
my  body  with  their  bolts,  taking  whatever  chance 
cares  to  offer,  and  holding  it  commendable  that  they 
should  thus  industriously  attempt  to  perfect  their 
marksmanship,  but  to  send  a  shaft  through  a  poor 
devil  standing  weaponless  at  arm's  length,  as  one 
might  say,  is  no  work  for  an  English  archer,  the  which 
I  will  maintain,  though  you  order  this  most  tempting 
food  back  into  the  larder  again." 


30 


TEKLA. 


The  Baron  scowled  at  the  bowman,  who  returned 
his  whole  regard  to  the  table.  The  Emperor  looked 
at  his  friend  with  a  half  quizzical  smile  on  his  lips, 
while  the  speechless  victim  gazed  helplessly  at  his 
master. 

'*  Siegfried,  a  word  with  you,"  said  the  Emperor, 
pointing  to  the  bench  beside  him.  The  Baron  crossed 
over  and  sat  down. 

'*  It  is  not  your  intention  to  have  this  young  man 
executed,  is  it?" 

•'  Most  assuredly ;  nothing  but  an  order  from  the 
Emperor  will  save  his  deservedly  forfeited  life." 

"  Then  God  help  him,"  said  Rodolph,  "  for  the 
Emperor  is  faraway.  If,  however,  my  own  poor  word 
can  avail  him,  I  would  gladly  see  him  spared,  and  this 
without  in  any  way  underrating  the  heinousness  of  his 
crime." 

**  His  desertion  might  have  cost  either  of  us  our 
lives,  as  you  yourself  admitted  but  a  short  while  since. 
I  can  forgive  anything  rather  than  absence  from  the 
post  of  duty." 

*'  I  grant  you  that  if  he  were  not  alone  here  his 
offence  would  be  unpardonable,  if  but  for  the  effect 
on  others,  but  there  is  none  other  to  make  a  precedent 
of  leniency.  Then  there  is  this  to  be  said,  he  has  had 
a  stern  lesson,  for  if  ever  man  read  death  in  the  eye 
of  another  he  saw  it  in  yours  a  moment  ago,  although 
at  first  I  thought  you  were  jesting.  If  you  spare  him, 
he  will  therefore  be  the  truer  in  future  and  will  not 
soon  forget  this  night,  while  another  who  takes  his 
place  will  still  have  the  lesson  to  learn.  May  I  ques- 
tion him?  " 

**  Certainly.     He  is  yours,  as  I  am." 

"  Hark  ye,  fellow,  were  you  ever  out  with  that  boat 
before  ?  " 

Yes,  my  Lord." 

You  see  it  is  not  the  first  offence.     I  beg  you  to 
let  me  execute  justice  upon  him,"  said  the  Baron. 

"  A  worse  man  would  have  denied  it,"  responded 


<( 


(< 


f 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       31 

Rodolph,  eagerly.  "  He  speaks  the  truth  when  he 
knows  it  prejudices  his  case.  I  Hke  the  fellow, 
although  he  is  so  badly  frightened.  Where  do  you 
voyage,  sirrah  ?  " 

"  To  the  Archbishop's  palace,  my  Lord." 

**  To  the  Archbishop's  palace  }  "  echoed  both  Ro- 
dolph and  Siegfried,  in  a  breath.  "  In  the  Fiend's 
name  what  have  you  to  do  with  the  Archbishop  or  his 
Palace?" 

The  young  fellow  cleared  his  throat,  and  some 
colour  mounted  to  his  pale  face. 

**  My  Lord,"  he  stammered,  "  a  maid,  who  is  named 
Hilda " 

"  I  could  have  sworn  it,"  cried  the  Emperor.  "  Now 
we  have  the  woman,  the  riddle  unravels  itself.  What 
of  Hilda,  my  young  gallant?  " 

"She  is  tirewoman  of  the  Countess  Tekla " 

•*Ha!"  ejaculated  the  Emperor,  a  sudden  interest 
coming  into  his  face,  while  the  Baron's  frown  grew 
blacker.     "  You  met  with  Hilda  then  to-night  ?  " 

*'  Not  so,  my  Lord.  I  was  on  my  way  to  meet  her 
when,  in  the  still  night,  I  heard  a  knock,  and  fearing  it 
might  bo  at  this  door  I  hurried  back ;  alas !  that  I  kept 
your  Lordship  waiting." 

"Then  if  I  understand  you  aright,  Hilda  has  now 
accepted  our  late  rS/e," 

The  man  looked  at  the  ground,  evidently  not  com- 
prehending the  last  remark. 

"  Hilda  is  at  this  moment  waiting  for  you,  then," 
explained  Rodolph. 

"Yes,  my  Lord." 

The  Emperor  turned  his  frank  smiling  face  upon 
the  Baron,  who  sat  v/ith  his  chin  in  his  hand, 
grimly  regarding  the  servant,  who,  now  that  there 
seemed  hope  of  resme,  kept  his  eyes  fixed  on  the 
floor. 

"  You  see,"  said  Rodolph,  "  'tis  but  a  simple  lover's 
meeting,  and  I  have  known  great  affairs  of  State  put 
aside  for  such.     What  wonder  that  the  boy  forgot  his 


TEKLA. 


r  < 


K 


III 


duty  and  stole  away  in  your  skiff  to  have  a  few  sweet 
words  with  the  doubtless  charming  Hilda." 

"  I  distrust  him,"  said  the  Baron,  in  a  low  voice. 
"  I  like  not  this  traffic  with  the  Archbishop's  Palace. 
Arnold  von  Isenberg  is  a  suspicious  man,  and  has  little 
scruple  regarding  the  means  he  uses  to  satisfy  either 
his  curiosity  or  his  resentment.  This  young  fool  may 
be  innocent,  but  I  doubt  it.  He  made  no  protest 
against  my  judgment  just  now,  but  stood  silent,  like 
one  who  knew  his  doom  was  merited.  The  Arch- 
bishop may  have  heard  something  from  his  spies 
about  this  shuttered  house,  and  its  mysterious  horse, 
never  taken  out  save  for  exercise.  This  young  fellow 
is  practically  a  stranger  to  me.  He  is  not  one  of  my 
hereditary  servants,  for  I  wished  to  have  a  man  here 
who  knew  no  one  in  my  house  at  Treves,  and  my  ser- 
vants there  know  nothing  of  this  place  at  the  river, 
except  the  man  6n  guard,  who  unbars  the  window  and 
throws  down  the  rope  when  a  light  is  displayed  here, 
and  he  knows  no  more  than  that.  As  for  this  fellow 
here  and  his  glib  love  story  I  mistrust  him  thoroughly." 

"  I  think  you  do  him  wrong.  If  ever  I  saw  an 
honest  face,  it  is  his.  Besides,  what  harm  can  he  do, 
since  he  knows  nothing?  " 

"  The  mystery  of  the  house,  and  even  his  lack  of 
knowledge  might  lead  to  an  investigation.  Ordinarily 
I  should  care  little  for  that,  but  now  you  are  here,  I 
wish  to  move  with  all  caution." 

"  Then  his  truth  is  easily  put  to  the  test.  I  would 
vouch  for  the  fellow  from  his  looks  alone,  but,  as  you 
say,  much  depends  on  his  fidelity.  He  cannot  com- 
plain that  his  absence  has  aroused  suspicion,  so  we 
will  insist  that  a  second  absence  shall  allay  it.  We 
will  go  with  him  in  the  boat  to  meet  this  waiting  girl 
and  hear  what  comes  of  their  conversation.  He  will 
have  no  chance  of  warning  her,  and  if  there  is  fair 
love-talk  between  them  you  will  then  be  satisfied." 

"We  cannot  go  with  him  unseen." 

"  Why  not  ?     We  shall  be  in  the  shadow  of  the  Pal- 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       33 

ace  and  in  the  bottom  of  the  skiff  with  our  cloaks 
around  us.  It  will  not  be  a  dignified  position,  but 
anything  is  better  than  a  slumbering  distrust  of  one's 
underlings,  and  then  our  situation  will  be  heavenly 
compared  with  his  in  any  case.  If  he  is  a  traitor  he 
will  assuredly  betray  himself  by  trying  to  warn  his 
confederate  ;  if  he  is  merely  a  lover  it  will  be  some- 
what embarrassing  to  uphold  this  character  when  he 
knows  he  has  an  audience.  But  a  man  will  do  much 
to  save  his  neck,  and  he  will  doubtless  come  passably 
off  with  his  rehearsal.  If  it  is  a  woman  who  waits  for 
him,  and  if  she  proves  ardent  in  her  affections,  we  may- 
have  some  ado  to  keep  from  laughter,  but  even  then 
our  position  ,vill  be  enviable  compared  with  his." 

The  :/;'■'  tion  at  this  point  was  broken  in  upon 
by  a  doiiitil  voice  which  came  from  the  patient 
archer. 

"  I  have  met  much  hospitality  of  varying  kinds,  in 
different  paits  of  the  world,"  he  said,  mournfully  ; 
**  but  never  anything  bearing  resemblance  to  this.  I 
have  heard  that  in  savage  lands  they  place  food  be- 
fore a  hungry  prisoner,  the  which  he  is  unable  to 
reach,  although  the  sight  of  it  feasts  his  eyes  and  the 
aroma  therefrom  tickles  his  nostrils.  But  to  think 
that  in  a  Christian  land,  where " 

"  In  God's  name,  ;;ood  fellow,  are  you  still  hunger- 
ing?" cried  the  Baa.*!?.  "  I  thought  when  everything 
was  prepared  yo'  v  ..uni  not  need  a  formal  invitation. 
Fall  to,  fall  to,  wuhvu.  turther  delay,  and  prove  your- 
self as  good  a  trenvh' :man  as  you  are  excellent 
in  archery." 

The  bowman,  losing  no  further  time  in  talk,  at  once 
began  his  long  postponed  repast,  and  continued  the 
same  with  such  absorption  that  the  Emperor  and  the 
Baron  went  on  with  their  conversation  in  no  fear  of 
interruption  fro.^;  him.  Siegfried,  with  some  reluc- 
tance, agreed  to  •'>!?.  plan  proposed  by  Rodolph.  The 
latter  beckoned  <  ihc  man  standing  by  the  wall, 
awaiting   knowledge   of  his  fate   with  that  extreme 


TEKLA. 


r  i 


K 


i<   ' 


I   I 


anxiety  which  the  uncertain  tenure  whereby  he  held 
his  life  was  sure  to  occasion. 

" '^.'"ou  know,  doubtless,"  began  the  Emperor,  "that 
the  late  desertion  of  the  post  entrusted  to  you  has 
forfeited  your  life  to  your  justly  incensed  master  ?  " 

The  young  man  made  a  motion  of  assent  to  this 
proposition. 

•*  Having  found  you  false  in  one  thing,  it  is  but 
natural  that  your  master  should  distrust  you  in  all, 
and  therefore  he  disbelieves  the  tale  you  have  told  of 
meeting  with  a  maid,  attributing  other  motives  to 
your  visit  to  the  Palace." 

*'  What  other  motive  could  I  li  .'^  ^  " 

"That  remains  to  be  seen.  A:.  iU  willing,  then, 
that  we  should  put  your  fidelity  to  tiie  test  ?  " 

"  I  am  willing." 

"  Remember  that  you  gain  your  life  thereby.  Where 
is  it  that  you  mdet  this  maid  ?  " 

"  On  the  river  balcony  of  the  Palace,  at  the  corner 
nearest  here." 

"  How  high  is  this  balcony  from  the  water?" 

"  Less  than  a  man's  height.  Standing  in  the  boat 
the  floor  is  level  with  my  shoulders." 

"Is  it  your  custom  to  ascend  upon  the  balcony?" 

"  No,  my  Lord.  I  stand  there  holding  the  rope  in 
my  hand,  which  coming  from  the  prow  of  the  skiff 
passes  round  one  of  the  balustrades.  Thus,  in  case  of 
interruption,  I  can  instantly  release  my  hold,  sit  down, 
and  float  away  unseen." 

The  Emperor  glanced  at  Siegfried  with  a  look  that 
plainly  said,  "This  man  speaks  the  truth."  But  the 
Baron,  with  perplexed  brows,  showed  that  he  thought 
all  the  worse  of  him.  Thus  do  the  same  words  pro- 
duce differing  effects  on  different  minds. 

"  Now,  hark  ye,  fellow,"  said  the  Emperor,  with 
more  severity  in  his  tone  than  he  had  yet  used,  "  and 
give  good  heed  to  what  I  say,  for  much  depends  on  it, 
especially  to  you.  We  will  accompany  you  in  the 
boat  to  this  tryst  upon  the  water,  but  will  so  bestow 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       35 


2  corner 


ourselves  that  we  shall  be  unseen  by  whoever  there 
awaits  you.  Now,  mark  this:  you  are  to  proceed 
thither  silently ;  you  are  to  give  neither  sign  nor  sig- 
nal. If  you  so  much  as  cough,  your  neck  shall  suffer 
for  it.  If  you  attempt  to  whisper,  or  say  aught  that 
is  inaudible  to  us,  as  we  lie  in  your  boat,  we  will  ad- 
judge you  a  traitor.  If  it  is  but  innocent  love  traffic 
that  calls  you  to  the  balcony,  you  will  carry  on  your 
flirtation  as  if  we  were  not  within  hearing  distance, 
and  I  will  hold  you  unscathed  for  anything  you  may 
say.    Are  you  honest  with  this  girl  ?  " 

"  As  honest  as  I  am  with  you,  my  Lord." 

"  Ah  !  that  is  somewhat  in  doubt  at  the  moment,  but 
if  you  are  honest  then  will  I  give  your  Hilda  a  hand- 
some dowry  when  she  weds  with  the  boatman  of  the 
Moselle.     Are  you  content  with  the  trial  ?  " 

"  I  am  content,  my  Lord." 

"  Then  get  ready  the  boat,  so  that  we  may  not  keep 
the  maiden  waiting." 

The  young  man  raised  the  trap-door  and  disappeared 
down  the  steps. 

"  I  hope  he  will  prove  himself  a  true  man,"  said  the 
Baron,  evidently  somewhat  shaken  in  his  suspicions 
by  the  straightforward  answers  and  actions  of  the  per- 
son accused. 

"By  the  Holy  Coat,"  cried  the  Emperor,  with  a 
laugh,  "  it  is  well  for  us  if  he  does  so." 

'*  Well  for  us  ?  "  echoed  the  Baron  ;  "  well  for  him 
you  mean  surely." 

"  Not  so.  Look  you  in  what  plight  he  has  us  should 
he  be  a  traitor.  We  are  wrapped  in  our  cloaks,  lying 
in  the  bottom  of  the  skiff.  The  young  man  steers  us 
to  this  balcony,  springs  nimbly  upon  it,  the  rope  in 
his  hand,  deftly  with  his  foot  upsetting  the  boat,  as, 
like  my  countryman,  William  Tell,  he  leaps  from  it. 
He  cries  aloud,  *  Treason !  treason  against  my  Lord, 
the  Archbishop  !  *  The  guards  rush  out,  we  are  fished 
dripping  from  the  water,  and  dragged  before  Arch- 
bishop Arnold  to  explain  to  him  who  we  are  and  what 


m  ■ 


I .'  i 


36 


TEKLA. 


/■» 


we  did  cruising  round  his  Moselle  palace.  If  he  is 
false,  being  a  quick-witted  man  he  sees  his  doom  is 
fixed  should  he  refuse  the  test,  while  by  accepting  our 
proposal  we  at  once  deliver  ourselves  shackled  into  his 
hands.  I  should  ask  nothing  better  than  to  have  two 
fools,  who  were  my  enemies,  placed  thus  at  my  dis- 
posal." 

The  Baron  sprang  to  his  feet  with  an  oath.  "  We 
shall  go  on  no  such  hare-brained  excursion,"  he  cried. 

"  Pardon,"  said  the  Emperor,  calmly,  "  but  I  shall 
go,  most  assuredly.  I  am  not  the  man  to  propose  a 
test  and  then  shrink  from  it.  But  it  would  be  wiser 
for  you  to  remain  here,  ready  to  stand  sponsor  for  me 
with  the  Archbishop,  should  I  be  captured.  I  assure 
you,  good  Siegfried,  your  testimony  will  have  much 
greater  weight  if  you  come  to  the  Palace  dry,  than  if 
you  are  a  drippii^g  accomplice,  rescued  by  his  men-at- 
arms." 

"  Where  you  go,  I  go,"  answered  the  Baron,  non- 
plussed. 

The  boatman  put  his  head  up  through  the  trap-door 
and  announced  that  the  skiff  was  ready.  The  Em- 
peror laughed  as  he  flung  his  cloak  over  his  shoulders  ; 
the  Baron  did  likewise,  but  there  was  disquietude  on 
his  brow. 

"  ihcre  is  like  to  be  enough  of  meat,"  said  the 
archer,  seeing  they  were  about  to  depart,  "  but  if  you 
are  to  be  long  absent  I  would  fain  be  put  into  com- 
munication with  the  hogshead  from  which  this  most 
excellent  flagon  is  accustomed  to  be  replenished. 
Wine,  when  a  man  is  eating,  makes  fair  escort  for  good 
food  down  the  throat,  but  one  is  scarcely  able  thus  to 
judge  satisfactorily  of  its  quality,  missing  the  aroma 
which  the  more  leisurely  drinking  allows  the  palate  to 
become  acquainted  with.  I  hold  that  the  proper  time 
for  doing  justice  to  a  good  wine  is  when  hunger  has 
been  so  thoroughly  appeased  that " 

"  The  barrel  is  in  the  adjoining  room,"  replied  Sieg- 
fried, as  he  disappeared  down  the  trap-door. 


M 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       37 

The  boatman,  sitting  in  the  stern  and  using  a  pad- 
dle, propelled  the  skiff  through  the  water-doorway 
and  out  upon  the  broad  bosom  of  the  river.  His  two 
passengers  reclined  near  the  prow  and  thus  they  floated 
down  with  the  current,  passing  the  numerous  small 
buildings,  all  dark,  which  composed  the  little  hamlet 
of  Zurlauben.  The  huge  square  bulk  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's Palace  rose  in  the  moonlight  at  the  further 
end  of  the  village,  showing  some  lights  in  the  upper 
rooms.  The  man  in  the  stern  of  the  boat  sat  silent  as 
a  statue  of  Death,  and  almost  as  motionless.  He 
allowed  the  boat  iJ  drift  with  the  current,  making  no 
effort  to  accelerate  its  progress  by  use  of  the  paddle 
that  trailed  in  the  water  behind,  contenting  himself  ' 
by  giving  it  a  slight  deflection  to  right  or  left  and  thus 
direct  the  impetus  of  the  craft  this  way  or  that.  The 
tall  pointed  windows  of  the  large  hall  of  the  Palace, 
which,  filled  with  stained  glass,  gave  a  semi-ecclesias- 
tical appearance  to  the  river  front  of  the  edifice, 
glowed  softly  with  coloured  light,  like  jewelled  pic- 
tures against  the  dark  wall,  showing  that  the  room 
within  was  still  illuminated.  The  two  passengers 
now  reclined  with  heads  towards  the  prow,  their 
cloaks  entirely  concealing  their  persons,  and  in  the 
silence  and  the  darkness,  with  the  mute  figure  up- 
right in  the  stern,  the  weird  craft  looked  as  if 
Charon  were  its  master,  ferrying  two  lost  souls  over 
the  Styx. 

As  the  boat  floated  noiselessly  as  a  leaf  on  the 
surface  of  the  water  into  the  great  shadow  which  the 
Palace  threw  upon  the  river,  the  stillness  was  broken 
by  a  woman's  voice.     She  hissed  out  the  one  word — 

'•  Laggard !  " 

"  I  am  not  to  blame,"  answered  the  boatman,  rising, 
taking  the  rope  ir.  his  hand  and  flinging  the  loop  of  it 
upon  the  balcony,  where  it  caught  upon  some  projec- 
tion, and  swung  the  skiff  gently  round  till  the  prow 
pointed  up  stream. 

"  I  assure  you,  Hilda,  I  am  not  to  blame.     My  mas- 


II 


38 


TEKLA. 


ter  had  commands  for  me  which  I  could  not  dispose 
of  sooner." 

\  "  I  wish  I  could  see  thy  face,"  answered  the  girl, 
"  then  I  would  know  whether  you  speak  the  truth  or 
not.  It  is  like  that  you  have  been  to  Treves  to  meet 
some  wench  more  complaisant  than  I.  Oh,  I  know  of 
old  how  well  you  can  arrange  meetings  in  the  city,  and 
if  with  me  why  not  with  another?  " 

"  It  is  hard  to  be  accused  twice  in  one  night  of  lying. 
I  was  on  my  way  to  meet  you  when  my  master  came, 
and  he  would  not  believe  what  I  said.  I  know  not 
how  to  convince  you  of  my  truth  unless  you  ask  him 
whether  or  no  he  stopped  me  from  coming  earlier." 

"  Bring  thy  master  to  me  instead,  Conrad,  and  I  will 
vouch  thou  art  truth  teller  except  whei'e  women  are 
concerned,  and  of  that  I  have  my  doubts.  What  hast 
thou  in  thy  boat,  Conrad?  I  saw  the  bulk  of  a  burden 
when  I  peered 'my  eyes  out  watching  for  thy  slow 
coming." 

"  'Tis  but  dressed  calves  that  I  must  deliver  safe 
and  sound  at  a  house  in  the  village  further  up  the 
river,     I  came  direct  to  thee  before  doing  so." 

"  Who  is  thy  master  then,  that  asks  such  strange 
service  from  his  man  ?  " 

"  He  is  a  butcher  who  delights  in  the  killing." 

The  prone  Emperor  nudged  his  companion  and 
whispered,  "  The  adage  is  true,  Siegfried ;  you  are 
like  to  hear  little  that  will  flatter  you." 

"  Conrad,  tell  me  you  have  not  been  to  Treves." 

"  I  swear  to  you  I  have  not." 

"  And  that  you  love  none  other  than  me  ?  " 

"  I  love  you  only,  and  would  stand  against  wall  to 
be  pierced  through  the  heart  for  thy  sake." 

"  Oh,  Conrad  !  "  cried  the  girl,  kneeling  and  taking 
his  head  in  her  arms.  "  No  such  test  of  thy  love 
shall  ever  be  required  of  thee,  but  I  dearly  yearn  to 
hear  thee  tell  me  so.  Wilt  thou  come  earlier  to-mor- 
row night ;  for  when  the  light  dims  in  the  great  hall 
windows  I  must  away,  and   I   feared  to-night  they 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       39 


would  be   dark  ere  I  saw  the  boat.     Say  thou  wilt 
come  earlier,  then  no  time  will  be  lost  in  chiding  thee." 

"  Hilda,  it  must  be  as  my  master  wills.  He  is  a 
strict  man,  and  hard.  If  he  knows  of  my  coming  I 
cannot  tell  what  may  happen." 

"But  why  serve  the  butcher?  If  you  quit  him  I 
will  speak  to  my  Lady,  who  will  surely  get  you  a  place 
in  the  household  of  his  Lordzhip." 

"  Advancement  may  be  more  certain  with  a  hard 
master  where  there  are  few  servants  than  with  one 
like  the  Archbishop,  who  has  hundreds  at  his  com- 
mand. I  will  answer  you  to-morrow.  If  my  master 
is  just  and  regards  truthful  service  he  may  look  with 
favour  on  me."  '     ^  - 

"  But  you  said  you  knew  little  of  him." 

"  I  know  more  of  him  now  that  he  has  returned. 
Hilda,  I  pray  you  cast  your  memory  back  and  tell  me 
what  I  proposed  to  do  when  next  I  saw  him." 

"  You  mean  the  telling  him  about  our  love  and 
betrothal?"  .  ,:       .      -r       "    ^' 

"Yes." 

"  Then  you  have  told  him  ?    What  did  he  say !  " 

"  I  have  told  him.  I  shall  know  to-morrow  what 
he  says." 

As  he  spoke  the  lights  in  the  great  windows  dimmed 
and  went  out. 

"  Alas !  alas ! "  cried  the  girl,  "  our  time  is  spent. 
Come  earlier  to-morrow  night.  And  now  get  thee 
back  to  thy  butcher." 

"  In  truth,  Hilda,  he  came  nearer  than  you  wot  of, 
to  the  justifying  of  your  term  to-night.     Farewell." 

There  was  the  smacking  sound  of  several  kisses 
hurriedly  bestowed,  then  the  young  man  pulled  the 
prow  end  of  the  rope  toward  him,  and  sat  down  again 
in  the  stern.  The  boat  floated  along  under  the 
shadow  of  the  Palace,  but  the  steersman  with  vigorous 
but  silent  strokes  of  the  paddle  prevented  it  from 
drifting  into  the  moonlight,  shooting  the  craft  rapidly 
across  the  river  until  it   reached   the  comparatively 


40 


TEKLA. 


still  water  near  the  opposite  bank.  The  two  in  the 
prow  now  sat  up  but  remained  silent,  making  no  com- 
ment on  the  events  of  the  evening  in  the  hearing  of 
the  person  most  interested,  who  applied  himself 
strenuously  to  the  work  in  hand,  and  proved  not  only 
his  strength,  but  his  mastery  of  the  waterman's  art. 
The  moonlight  falling  on  the  Emperor's  face,  showed 
a  resolute  effort  on  the  part  of  his  Majesty  to  keep 
from  laughter,  while  the  Baron's  countenance  exhib- 
ited a  settled  gloom.  When  well  above  the  village, 
the  boatman,  with  a  few  quick,  well-placed  strokes, 
sped  the  skiff  across  the  river,  and  timed  his  efforts  so 
accurately  that  it  floated  into  the  open  doorway  under 
the  house. 

Rodolph  and  Siegfried  mounted  the  steps  and 
found  the  archer  with  his  head  resting  on  his  arms 
spread  out  over  the  table,  sound  asleep,  and  audibly 
enjoying  his  rest. 

"  Speaking  for  myself,  I  like  Hilda,"  said  the  Em- 
peror, with  a  laugh.  "  How  does  your  more  experi- 
enced judgment  approve  of  the  girl,  Siegfried  ?  *' 

But  the  Baron  did  not  answer  the  question.  He 
said  instead,  with  some  indignation,  "  A  butcher,  in- 
deed !  I  shall  give  the  fellow  his  life,  because  I 
passed  my  word,  but  he  is  no  longer  servant  of  mine. 
I  shall  take  instead  this  honest  archer,  who  has  passed 
the  time  of  life  when  balcony  work  is  attractive." 

"  My  lord  Baron,  you  will  do  nothing  so  foolish. 
The  young  man  is  a  jewel.  He  is  a  proven  man,  while 
you  know  little  of  this  stranger,  who  is  a  foreigner, 
and,  by  his  own  account,  a  mere  hireling.  If  I  am 
ever  to  make  my  escape  from  this  place  on  horse,  or 
in  boat,  I  want  this  young  fellow  here  to  help  me.  I 
feel  I  can  depend  on  him  in  an  emergency." 

"  In  that  case  he  remains." 

At  this  point  Conrad  himself  appeared,  and  closing 
down  the  trap-door,  stood  waiting  orders. 

"  You  have  proven  yourself  a  true  man,"  said  the 
Emperor,  "  and  I  will  make  my  promise  good  to  pro- 


LISTENERS  HEAR  LITTLE  GOOD.       41 

vide  your  Hilda  with  a  suitable  dowry.  For  the 
time  being  your  duty  lies  here,  and  I  beg  you  to 
remember  that  a  shut  mouth  will  lead  to  an  open  purse. 
Your  master  will  tell  you  that  you  are,  for  the  pre- 
sent, to  obey  me  as  you  would  him,  and  should  I  reach 
here  without  him,  you  are  to  be  at  my  orders.  Mean- 
while, no  word  to  any  of  what  happened  to-night,  least 
of  all  to  Hilda  herself,  who  will  not  thank  you,  believe 
me,  for  providing  witnesses  able  to  give  testimony 
regarding  her  undoubted  affection  for  you.  I  shall 
add  to  your  pay  an  amount  equal  to  what  my  friend 
allows  you.     Are  you  satisfied  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  Lord." 

"  You  will  give  this  archer  breakfast  in  the  morn- 
ing," addeil  the  Baron,  "  and  then  bid  him  God-speed. 
Satisfy  his  hunger  and  thirst,  but  not  his  curiosity. 
And  finally  remember  well  that  you  are  to  hold  your- 
self at  all  times  under  the  special  commands  of  this 
gentleman,  to  whom  to-night  you  owe  your  life,  for 
had  I  been  alone  I  would  undoubtedly havemade  good 
my  title  of  your  butcher." 

Conrad  bowed  and  remained  silent. 

The  Emperor  and  the  Baron  departed,  and  made 
their  way  across  the  plain  to  Treves,  where  they 
found  the  dangling  rope  awaiting  them,  by  the  aid  of 
which  they  reached  their  rooms,  unimpeded  by  further 
adventure. 


( f 


m 


r* 


>i< 


g 


III 


M 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 

For  three  days  the  Emperor  and  Siegfried  wan- 
dered about  Treves  and  saw  much  to  interest  and 
instruct  them.  Among  other  things  they  noted  that 
the  city  was  more  efficiently  garrisoned  than  was 
Frankfort,  the  capital.  Soldiers  sv/armed  everywhere, 
insolent  and  overbearing.  One  would  imagine  that 
no  such  person  as  the  Emperor  existed,  for  all  author- 
ity seemed  vested  in  the  Archbishop.  The  talk  was 
of  what  the  Archbishop  v.  ould  do  or  would  not  do. 
Whatever  nominal  authority  the  Emperor  might 
possess  in  Treves,  the  Archbishop  was  the  holder 
of  actual  power,  and  his  wishes  were  law  without  ap- 
peal. 

"  I  think,"  said  Rodolph,  "  that  when  I  return  from 
the  Holy  Land  I  shall  get  together  an  army  and 
pay  a  visit  of  State  to  this  Arnold.  It  would  be 
some  gratification  for  me  to  know  that  a  few  good 
people  in  this  city  were  at  least  aware  of  my  exist- 
ence." 

Once  or  twice  the  two  were  stopped  and  questioned 
with  an  arrogance  that  was  particularly  galling  to 
both  Emperor  and  Baron.  On  these  occasions  Sieg- 
fried's sua  /e  diplomacy  succeeded  in  avoiding  disas- 
ter, but  he  was  in  continual  fear  that  the  anger  of  the 
Emperor  himself  might  be  aroused  and  that  something 
would  be  said  resulting  in  peril.  On  the  third  day 
the  crisis  came,  and  then  not  through  any  indiscretion 
on  the  part  of  the  Emperor,  but  rather  from  the 
action  of  Siegfried  himself.  As  they  approached  the 
market-square  on  the  evening  of  the  third  day,  home- 


THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 


43 


ward  bent,  a  truculent  officer,  with  feet  spread  wide 
apart,  opposed  their  passage. 

"  Hold,  my  fine  fellow,"  he  cried,  placing  his  hand 
rudely  on  Rodolph's  shoulder.  "  Are  you  military  or 
civil?  " 

"  Let  me  pass,"  said  the  Emperor,  quietly.  "  I  am 
a  peaceable  merchant." 

"  Then  by  what  right  do  you  wear  a  sword  at  your 
hip?" 

"  By  what  right  do  you  question  me  ?  " 

"  I  question  you  in  the  name  of  his  high  and  mighty 
Lordship,  the  Archbishop  of  Treves." 

"  Then  I  answer  that  I  wear  this  sword  by  permis- 
sion of  the  Emperor  Rodolph,  being  a  citizen  of 
Frankfort." 

'*  The  Emperor  Rodolph  is  a  Swiss,  and  no  true 
German." 

**  Yor  'e  !"  cried  Siegfried,  whipping  out  his  blade. 
"  The  leror  is  a  better  German  than  you  or  any 
other  iicves  cut-throat,  and  he  is  overlord  of  Arnold 
von  Isenberg,  whose  menial  you  are.  Doff  your  cap 
to  the  name  of  the  Emperor,  or  I  will  smite  your 
head  to  the  pavement,  cap  and  all." 

'•  Treason,  treason  !  "  shouted  the  ofificer,  springing 
back  and  unsheathing  his  sword.  *'  Treason  to  the 
Archbishop !  Treason  !  " 

The  cry  brought  instantly  all  the  military,  both 
officers  and  men,  within  hearing  distance,  to  the  spot, 
and  caused,  at  the  same  time,  the  few  civilians  of  the 
neighbourhood  to  escape  as  quickly  as  possible.  The 
civil  population  well  knew  that  in  a  military  disturb- 
ance they  were  safer  in  their  own  houses. 

Rodolph  had  also  drawn  his  sword,  ready  to  stand 
by  the  Baron  should  an  onslaught  be  made,  yet  he 
saw  in  a  moment  that  resistance  would  be  vain,  sur- 
rounded as  they  now  were  by  an  angry  well-armed- 
mob. 

'*  Arrest  those  dogs,"  cried  the  infuriated  officer, 
"who  have  dared  to  question  the  authority  of  the 


r  < 


44 


TEKLA. 


Archbishop  in  his  own  town  of  Treves,  and  have  in- 
sulted him  by  drawing  blade  on  one  of  his  officers." 

Several  soldiers  moved  forward  to  execute  this 
command,  when  Siegfried,  holding  his  sword  aloft  in 
the  air,  shouted : 

"  Have  a  care  what  you  do  !  I  am  Baron  Siegfried 
von  lirunfels,  a  resident  and  a  householder  in  Treves, 
as  noble  as  the  Archbishop  himself,  which  his  Lord- 
ship would  be  the  first  to  allow.  If  there  is  to  be  an 
arrest,  let  the  proper  authority  take  into  custody  this 
brawling  officer,  who  disgraces  the  uniform  he  wears 
by  attempted  mishandling  of  his  superiors.  By  the 
gods,  his  Lordship  will  be  surprised  to  learn  of  the 
manners  that  prevail  in  his  good  city  of  Treves  during 
his  absence,  and  he  barely  outside  the  walls." 

Those  around  the  Baron  instantly  fell  back  upon 
the  proclamation  of  his  quality.  Another  officer 
pressed  forward  with  outstretched  hand. 

"Welcome  to  Treves,  my  Lord,"  he  said.  "I 
thought  you  were  in  Frankfort." 

"  I  am  but  newly  arrived,"  replied  Siegfried,  taking 
the  proffered  hand  of  his  acquaintance,  "and  come 
only  to  meet  insult  for  myself  and  my  guest." 

"  I  knew  not  his  condtion,"  pleaded  the  originator  of 
the  disturbance,  in  the  most  abject  manner.  "  I  crave 
your  pardon,  vay  Lord,  and  that  of  your  comrade." 

The  l^aron  made  no  reply,  but  turned  his  back 
upon  thesui)i)linnt.  With  his  anger  rapidly  cooling  he 
began  to  realise  the  possible  consequences  of  his  revela- 
tion of  identity.  lie  would  now  be  compelled  to  pay 
formal  court  to  the  Archbishop,  and  give  some  plaus- 
ible reason  for  his  unexpected  visit  to  Treves.  If  any 
word  reached  the  suspicious  ear  of  the  Archbishop 
that  he  had  been  in  the  city  secretly  for  several  days, 
his  alreadv  embarrassiuLT  situation  would  be  rendered 
all  the  more  diflRcuit,  and  he  might  speedily  find  him- 
self an  inhabitant  of  the  prison,  where  it  was  notorious 
that  entrance  was  more  easy  th.m  exit. 

lie  bade  good-bye  to  the  officer  who  had  recognised 


THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 


45 


1  have  in- 
Fficers." 
cute   this 
i  aloft  in 

Siegfried 
1  Treves, 
lis  Lord- 
to  be  an 
'ody  this 
he  wears 
By  the 
n  of  the 
2s  during 

ick  upon 
r   officer 

aid.     "I 

1,  taking 
id  come 

nator  of 
*  I  crave 
ide." 
lis  back 
oh'nghc 
>  rcvela- 
to  pay 

-  plaus- 
If  any 
ibishop 
al  days, 
^ndered 
lid  him- 
'torious 

)gniscd 


him,  pleaded  fatigue  from  his  journey  in  excuse  for  his 
refusal  of  hospitality  that  night  at  the  officer's  quarters, 
and  departed  with  his  guest,  looked  after  somewhat 
curiously  by  all  who  remained. 

He  knew  that  they  would  now  hear  his  opponent's 
version  of  the  beginning  of  the  mel^e  and  that  all  would 
wonder  why  a  noble  of  the  Baron's  rank  should  be 
wandering  through  Treves  with  a  man  who  announced 
himself  a  merchant.  The  mystery  would  deepen  the 
more  it  was  discussed,  and  the  Baron  felt  increased 
uneasiness  regarding  his  forthcoming  interview  with 
Arnold  von  Isenberg.  Yet  what  troubled  him  most 
was  the  future  action  of  the  Emperor  himself.  He 
was  resolved  that  Rodolph  should  forthwith  quit 
Treves  and  hie  him  back  to  Frankfort,  leaving  his 
friend  to  stand  the  brunt  of  whatever  explanation 
might  be  forthcoming.  In  this  lay  difficulty.  The 
Emperor  was  so  loyal  to  his  friendships  that  he  might 
refuse  to  leave  Treves.  Siegfried  well  knew  that 
when  Rodolph  made  up  his  mind  to  a  certain  course 
of  action,  neither  persuasion  nor  threats  could  swerve 
him  from  it.  Their  coming  had  been  but  a  foolhardy 
expedition  at  the  best,  and  a  most  dangerous  one  as 
well.  The  Emperor  himself  had  given  out  that  he 
had  departed  for  the  Holy  Land.  None  but  Siegfried 
knew  that  such  departure  had  not  taken  place.  Let 
but  the  crafty  Arnold  get  an  inkling  of  the  fact  that 
the  Emperor  was  in  Treves  secretly,  and  disguised  as 
a  merchant,  and  he  would  instantly  surround  the 
house  with  troops,  convey  both  Emperor  and  Baron 
to  the  secret  prison  he  possessed,  and  there  hold  them 
until  it  suited  his  purpose  to  let  them  go.  No  friend 
of  either  Emperor  or  Baron  would  have  the  slightest 
suspicion  of  their  fate,  for  each  had  elaborately  per- 
fected  the  fiction  that  they  had  gone  to  the  East, 
which  fiction  now  seemed  like  to  be  their  own  undo- 
ing, more  to  be  feared  than  the  wrath  of  the  Arch- 
bishop himself.  How  the  crafty  Arnold  would  chuckle 
at  the  trap  they  had  laid  for  themselves  ! 


ii!     i. 
t      • 


»i 


Mil 


^1     ■ 


It  %<      ! 


II 


I  li 


r  ' 


46 


TEKLA. 


"  Baron,"  said  the  Emperor,  as  they  walked  silently 
homeward,  "  I  am  sorry  to  dir^turb  your  most  uncom- 
panionable meditations,  but  I  think  we  are  followed." 

"  Followed  !  "  echoed  Siegfried  in  alarm,  casting 
a  look  over  his  shoulder.  He  saw  in  the  distance  be- 
hind them  an  officer  and  two  soldiers,  who  seemed 
anxious  to  escape  observation  and  who  slunk  under 
an  archway  when  they  saw  the  Baron  turn  his  head. 

"  Their  suspicion  is  aroused  then,"  said  Siegfried. 
"  What  can  they  expect  to  discover  but  that  I  go  to 
my  own  house  accompanied  by  my  guest." 

"  I  thought,  my  valiant  Baron,  you  would  propose 
to  double  on  them  and  lead  them  a  dance  through  the 
narrow  streets  of  Treves.  There  would  be  at  least  a 
little  excitement  in  such  a  course." 

"  It  would  merely  confirm  them  in  their  evident  be- 
lief that  I  have  something  to  conceal.  No.  Our  wisest 
plan  is  to  go  directly  to  my  house  and  let  them  report 
that  we  have  done  so.  But  I  am  convinced  thai  you 
must  leave  Treves,  and  that  as  soon  as  possible.  I 
propose,  therefore,  that  we  ride  through  the  gates  to- 
morrow, and,  if  questioned,  say  we  are  about  to  pay  a 
formal  visit  to  the  Archbishop.  We  will  then  ride  to 
Zurlauben,  where  Conrad  shall  mount  my  fleet  horse 
and  accompany  you  to  Frankfort." 

"And  you?" 

"  I  shall  wait  upon  the  Archbishop,  and  answer  any 
question  he  is  pleased  to  ask." 

**  My  good  Siegfried,  no.  I  can  scarcely  desert  you 
after  having  led  you  into  what  you  were  pleased  to 
term  a  piece  of  folly.  We  go  together,  or  we  stay  to- 
gether." 

'*  But  I  must  now  wait  upon  the  Archbishop.  This 
night's  work  makes  that  imperative.  Believe  me,  were 
I  sure  you  were  well  on  the  road  to  Frankfort,  I 
would  meet  his  Lordship  with  an  easy  conscience." 

"  Well,  we  will  discuss  the  project  further  to-morrow, 
and,  as  I  am  alone  to  blame,  you  will  not  find  me  ob- 
durate.    I  shall  fall  in  with  any  plan  you  think  is  to 


THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 


47 


propose 
ough  the 
t  least  a 

ident  be- 
ar wisest 
Ti  report 
that  you 
sible.  I 
^ates  to- 
:o  pay  a 
ride  to 
t  horse 


ver 


any 


ert  you 
ised  to 
tay  to- 

This 
s,  were 
fort,  I 
:e." 
orrow, 
nc  ob- 
is to 


our  advantage,  for  I  see  you  are  anxious  regarding  my 
welfare." 

The  Baron  von  Brunfels  was  pleased  to  think  that 
he  had  gained  so  easy  and  complete  a  victory. 

They  had  now  reached  the  arched  doorway,  and 
were  speedily  admitted.  After  dinner  the  Emperor 
retired  early,  as  had  been  his  custom  ever  since  he 
reached  Treves,  excepting  on  the  first  night  of  their 
visit.  Before  von  Brunfels  followed  his  guesc's  exam- 
ple he  looked  out  upon  the  moonlit  narrow  street,  and 
was  somewhat  alarmed  to  notice  two  soldiers  on  watch, 
although  they  were  at  such  a  distance  that  they  prob- 
ably hoped  to  escape  observation.  On  the  other  side 
of  the  house  he  also  saw  two  armed  men.  It  was 
evident  the  dwelling  was  surrounded,  and  that  all  exit 
was  now  impossible,  save  by  passing  the  guards  or  by 
slipping  out  of  the  barred  window  over  the  city  wall. 

The  distance  at  which  the  sentinels  were  posted 
seemed  to  indicate  that  this  was  not  done  by  the 
Archbishop's  authority,  but  was  a  measure  adopted 
by  some  of  his  officers,  who  might  if  necepsary  dis- 
claim any  intention  of  restricting  the  liberty  of  a 
noble  so  highly  placed  as  Baron  von  Brunfels,  yet  wh 
were  determined  that  no  one  should  leave  or  enter  the 
house  without  their  cognisance.  The  Baron's  first 
thought  was  to  put  the  question  to  the  test  by  himself 
passing  through  the  cordon  and  seeing  whether  any 
dare  question  him,  but  remembering  that  the  Emperor 
was  in  his  charge,  he  hesitated  about  further  jeopar- 
dising his  safety.  He  thought  it  better  to  consult  the 
Emperor  himself,  and  if  possible  persuade  him  to 
escape  by  rope  over  the  wall,  make  speed  to  the  house 
by  the  river,  and  take  horse  from  there  instantly  for 
Frankfort. 

With  this  intent  the  Baron  ascended  the  stair  and 
tried  the  door  of  the  large  apartment  which  communi- 
cated with  the  smaller  room  in  which  the  Emperor  slept. 
The  door  was  bolted  fast  on  the  inside.  He  rapped  at 
first    lightly,    then   more    loudly,   but    there   was   no 


48 


TEKLA. 


K 


i 

1 

1 

1 

i  III  il 


response.  Hesitating  to  break  the  Emperor's  slumber 
for  what  he  might  regard  as  a  trivial  cause,  von  Brun- 
fels  returned  to  a  lower  floor  and  again  reconnoitered, 
but  now  saw  nothing  of  the  guards  on  either  side  of 
the  house.  Perplexed,  thinking  that  he  had  perhaps 
jumped  too  hastily  to  a  conclusion  ;  that  after  all  the 
house  might  not  be  invested  by  the  Archbishop's 
troops ;  that  his  own  disquiet  was  the  probable  cause 
of  his  aroused  suspicions;  he  determined  not  to 
awaken  Rodolph  until  there  was  more  pressing  reason 
for  doing  so,  but  to  remain  himself  on  guard  until 
daylight.  He  asked  a  servant  to  put  out  all  lights 
except  that  in  the  dining-room,  where  he  sat  with  a 
re-filled  flagon  at  his  elbow,  ears  alert  for  any  unac- 
customed sound.  Toward  midnight  he  again  thought 
he  saw  soldiers  move  silently  in  the  narrow  street,  as 
if  guard  were  being  changed,  but  although  the  moon 
shone  with  midsummer  brightness,  the  depth  of  the 
shadows  cast  by  the  walls  made  it  impossible  for  any 
definite  judgment  to  be  formed  regarding  what  was 
taking  place  on  the  street  below. 

When  day  began  to  break  grayly,  the  Baron  watched 
the  departing  shadows,  eager  to  learn  whether  or  not 
their  lifting  would  reveal  anything  of  the  guard  he 
was  convinced  had  been  set  on  his  house,  but  the  clear 
light  of  morning  showed  the  streets  deserted  and  si- 
lent. Breathing  more  freely,  he  threw  himself  on  a 
bench  with  his  cloak  around  him  and  was  soon  in  a 
deep  sleep. 

It  was  late  when  he  awoke.  Calling  a  servant,  he 
asked  why  he  had  not  been  informed  when  his  guest 
had  breakfasted,  and  learned  with  renewed  alarm  that 
the  Emperor  had  not  yet  made  his  appearance. 
Springing  to  his  feet  he  strode  hastily  up  the  stair  to 
find  the  door  still  bolted.  With  ever-increasing  un- 
easiness he  mounted  another  stair  to  the  small  room 
in  which  his  sentinel  sat,  whose  duty  it  was  to  watch 
for  the  light  in  the  river  house,  and  to  unbar  the  win- 
dow below  and  throw  down  the  rope.     This  room  com- 


n 


L 


THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 


49 


municated  with  the  Emperor's  apartments  below  by 
means  of  a  secret  circular  stair.  The  guard  seemed 
surprised  to  see  the  Baron,  and  what  was  said  did  not 
serve  to  reassure  his  Lordship. 

"  The  light  by  the  river  has  been  burning  all  night. 
When  morning  broke  I  pulled  up  the  rope  and  closed 
the  window.     Nobody  came  in." 

"  Why  did  you  not  inform  me  before  daybreak?  " 

"  I  thought  it  was  your  Lordship  who  was  out.  You 
came  in  betimes  these  three  nights  past." 

"  Three  nights?"  cried  the  Baron.  "Has  the  rope 
been  in  use  for  three  nights?" 

"  Yes,  my  Lord.  But,  until  last  night,  entry  was 
made  long  before  cock-crow." 

The  Baron,  stopping  to  make  no  further  inquiry, 
went  down  the  circular  stair,  and  after  rapping  at  the 
bedroom  door,  opened  it.  The  room  was  empty,  and 
the  bed  had  not  been  slept  in.  Cursing  his  own 
thoughtlessness  in  allowing  the  night  to  pass  before 
finding  this  out,  the  Baron  unbolted  the  door,  went 
downstairs,  and  ordered  his  horse  to  be  saddled.  It 
was  evident  that  for  three  nights  the  Emperor  had 
been  engaged  in  nocturnal  rambles  of  some  sort,  and 
it  was  also  plain  that  he  had  intended  to  return  on  the 
third  night  as  usual,  otherwise  the  light  would  not 
have  burned  till  day-dawn  in  the  window.  What, 
then,  had  prevented  his  return  ?  Into  what  trap  had 
he  fallen  while  the  Baron  was  uselessly  guarding  an 
empty  house?  Had  the  suspected  traitor  at  the  river 
house  informed  the  Palace  authorities  of  the  advent  of 
a  mysterious  visitor,  and  had  they  learned  who  that 
visitor  was?  These  reflections  tortured  Baron  von 
Brunfels  as  he  paced  the  stone-paved  court  impatiently 
waiting  for  his  horse.  He  resolved  to  ride  at  once  to 
the  house  by  the  river  and  extort  full  confession  from 
Conrad  at  the  point  of  his  sword,  slaying  him  with  his 
own  hand  if  there  was  the  slightest  suspicion  of  treach- 
ery. 

He  sprang  into  the  saddle,  when  the  horse  was  led 


r  I 


":     :ii 


50 


TEKLA. 


K. 


out,  and  roused  the  echoes  of  the  silent  narrow  street 
as  he  galloped  toward  the  North  Gate.  He  was  per- 
mitted to  pass  through  without  question,  and  now  pro- 
ceeded more  slowly  toward  the  river,  not  desiring  to 
show  unusual  haste.  The  light  still  burned  in  the 
upper  window,  and  a  few  moments'  investigation 
served  to  show  that  the  house  was  untenanted  and  the 
boat  gone.  Thoroughly  convinced  now  that  Conrad 
was  a  traitor,  he  realised  the  futility  of  expecting  to 
find  him,  as  he  would  doubtless  be  well  protected  from 
vengeance  by  the  Archbishop.  The  Baron  bitterly 
regretted  that  he  had  not  placed  one  of  his  own  true 
and  tried  servants  in  charge  of  the  river  house.  In 
his  heart  he  had  no  fault  to  find  with  the  young  Em- 
peror for  engaging,  unknown  to  his  host,  in  these  haz- 
ardous midnight  expeditions.  Rather  he  blamed  him- 
self for  his  reluctance  in  accompanying  Rodolph  on 
the  first  stroll  that  they  took  to  the  river,  and  thought 
this  reluctance  the  probable  cause  of  the  Emperor's 
subsequent  secrecy. 

Having  at  last  succeeded  in  forcing  an  entrance, 
Siegfried  unbolted  the  stable  door  and  placed  the 
horse  he  had  ridden  beside  the  one  standing  there. 
In  the  large  room  he  found  an  iron  lamp  dimly  burn- 
ing, and  the  trap-door  raised.  Everything  tended  to 
show  that  the  Emperor  fully  expected  to  return,  as 
he  had  returned  before.  Von  Brunfels  sat  down  on  a 
bench  and  buried  his  face  in  his  hands.  He  had  not  the 
slightest  idea  what  to  do,  hampered  as  he  was  on  every 
side.  He  could  not  go  into  the  streets  of  Treves 
and  cry  that  the  Emperor  was  missing.  He  could 
not  go  to  the  Archbishop  and  seek  assistance,  as  he 
might  have  done  were  the  lost  man  any  one  else  on 
earth  than  the  Emperor  Rodolph.  He  could  not  re- 
turn to  Frankfort  and  raise  an  army  to  come  to  the 
assistance  of  a  man  all  supposed  to  be  in  the  Holy 
Land.  He  might  go  to  Frankfort  and  await  devel- 
opments, but  Rodolph  at  that  moment  probably 
needed  the  aid  of  his  good  sword,  a  few  hundred  yards 


•ii   11 


4 


THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 


51 


from  where  he  sat.  Every  avenue  seemed  closed  to 
him.  Rodolph,  in  whatever  prison  he  lay,  was  not 
more  helpless  than  his  friend  outside. 

As  the  Baron  sat  there,  in  a  state  bordering  on  de- 
spair, his  ear  caught  the  sound  of  a  bugle,  giving  out 
an  imperative  note  from  the  direction  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's Palare.  This  was  answered  faintly  from  the 
town.  The  Archbishop  was  likely  going  to  Treves. 
Siegfried  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  determind  to  present 
himself  to  Arnold  von  Isenberg,  as  he  had  need  to  do 
that  day  in  any  case,  and  by  noting  every  look  and 
expression  of  his  Lordship,  endeavour  to  form  some 
conclusion  regarding  Rodolph's  fate.  Once  more  out- 
side, he  found  that,  during  his  brief  withdrawal,  many 
things  had  happened.  A  troop  of  horse  was  drawn  up 
in  front  of  the  Palace.  Mounted  men  were  hurrying 
to  and  fro  between  Treves  and  Zurlauben.  From  the 
North  Gate  of  the  city  another  body  of  cavalry  was  is- 
suing. Bugle  notes  came  over  the  plains  from  Treves, 
and  it  was  only  too  evident  to  the  Baron  that  some- 
thing unusual  was  afoot.  As  may  be  imagined,  these 
hasty  military  preparations  did  not  tend  to  soothe  his 
apprehensions.  His  first  thought  that  the  Archbishop 
intended  to  proceed  from  Zurlauben  to  Treves  seemed 
erroneous,  because  of  the  magnitude  of  the  movement 
going  forward.  Arnold  marched  in  state  when  he 
went  abroad,  but  he  did  not  throw  the  whole  military 
force  at  his  disposal  into  commotion  by  doing  so. 
The  Baron's  practised  eye,  and  his  knowledge  of  life  in 
Treves  at  once  told  him  that  some  unexpected  event 
had  led  to  the  sudden  rally  of  troops  round  the  summer 
palace.  He  walked  his  horse  slowly  towards  the  body 
of  cavalry,  and  as  he  approached  was  saluted  by  the 
officer  in  charge,  whom  he  recognised  as  the  friend 
who  had  come  to  his  rescue  the  evening  before. 

"You  have  chosen  an  inopportune  time,  my  lord 
Baron,  for  your  visit  to  the  Archbishop,  if  such  is  your 
purpose,"  said  the  officer,  in  a  low  voice,  when  the 
Baron  cnme  up  with  him.  "  I  doubt  if  you  will  have 
audience  with  his  Lordship  co-day." 


ii;. 


1;' 


1  I! 


i  I 


52 


TEKLA. 


/■ ' 


K 


"  I  came  with  that  design,"  answered  Siegfried,  with 
a  scarcely  perceptible  falter  in  his  voice.  "  What  has 
happened  since  I  last  saw  you,  for  there  appears  to  be 
some  commotion  of  more  than  usual  significance?  " 

"Ah,  that  I  do  not  know,"  replied  the  officer. 
"  There  is  something  important  in  the  wind  that  was 
not  thought  of  last  night.  War,  I  hope.  My  instruc- 
tions— there  is  nothing  secret  about  them — is  to  take 
the  road  to  Frankfort  with  all  speed.  I  merely 
wait  the  coming  of  one  who  is  now  with  his  Lordship 
receiving  final  directions.  Count  Bertrich  was  in 
Treves  this  morning  when,  it  seems,  the  Archbishop 
thought  he  should  have  been  at  hand.  I  spoke  with 
the  Count  two  hours  ago,  and  I'll  swear  he  had  no  idea 
that  there  was  anything  extraordinary  afoot.  A  com- 
pany has  already  gone  westward  with  all  haste,  and 
five  messengers  have  been  despatched,  one  after  an- 
other, to  Treves  for  the  Count.  So  impatient  is  the 
Archbishop  that  no  sooner  does  one  mounted  man 
disappear  through  the  North  Gate  than  another  is  sent 
off.  Here  comes  the  Count  now  on  the  gallop  at  the 
head  of  his  troop." 

As  he  spoke  the  party  which  Siegfried  had  seen 
leaving  the  city  came  racing  up  in  a  clo  J  of  dust. 
Count  Bertrich  flung  himself  from  his  horse  and 
strode  into  the  Palace,  unheeding  the  salutations  he 
received  on  all  sides.  At  the  same  moment  a  man, 
booted  and  spurred,  but  not  in  armour,  equipped 
rather  for  swift  riding  than  for  combat,  came  hurriedly 
down  the  steps,  sprang  on  his  horse  and  shouted 
"  Forward." 

The  officer  at  "once  gave  the  word  to  his  men,  and 
the  troop  started  off  at  a  trot  for  the  Frankfort  Road. 

Baron  von  Brunfels  sat  on  his  horse,  doubtful  what 
next  to  do.  As  he  hesitated,  Count  Bertrich  came 
out  of  the  Palace,  with  pale  face  and  set  lips,  mounted 
the  horse  he  had  left  but  a  few  moments  before,  gave 
a  curt  word  of  command,  and  galloped  at  the  head  of 
his  company  down  the  river  road.     Whatever  commu- 


THE  EMPEROR  DISAPPEARS. 


m 


nication  he  had  had  with  the  Archbishop  must  have 
been  of  the  shortest,  and  the  cloud  on  the  Count's 
brow  showed  it  had  been  at  least  unpleasant.  The 
Baron  determined  to  see  the  Archbishop  at  all  hazards, 
hoping  that  some  chance  word  would  give  him  a  key- 
to  these  swift  and  mysterious  movements.  He  dis- 
mounted, left  his  horse  in  charge  of  one  of  the  numer- 
ous retainers  standing  about,  went  up  the  steps  and 
entered  the  large  hall,  which  he  found  filled  with 
officers  and  nobles,  all  speaking  low  to  each  other ; 
all,  quite  palpably,  in  a  state  of  anxiety  and  unsatisfied 
curiosity.  The  Baron  walked  through  this  throng  to 
a  smaller  ante-chamber  into  which  he  was  admitted  by 
the  officer  on  guard,  on  mentioning  his  rank,  and  once 
there  he  sent  his  name  to  the  Archbishop.  After  a 
time  the  Archbishop's  monkish  secretary  came  out, 
and  bowing  low  said  : 

"  My  Lord,  the  Archbishop  sends  greeting  to  Baron 
Siegfried  von  Brunfels,  and  deeply  regrets  that  it  is 
impossible  for  his  Lordship  to  receive  even  the  Emperor 
to-day,  were  he  to  honour  Treves  with  his  presence." 

"  Even  the  Emperor ! "  repeated  Siegfried,  slowly, 
looking  with  keen  apprehension  at  the  secretary-monk, 
who  had  delivered  so  singular  a  message. 

"Those  were  his  Lordship's  words,"  replied  the 
monk,  again  bowing  deferentially,  which  assurance  did 
little  to  diminish  the  Baron's  anxiety. 

"  I  trust,"  said  Siegfried,  "  that  nothing  untoward 
has  happened  to  cause  his  Lordship  apprehension." 

**  I  devoutly  trust  not,"  answered  the  monk,  with 
non-committal  obsequiousness,  and  after  this  remark 
he  gravely  took  his  leave. 

Baron  von  Brunfels  again  passed  through  the 
crowded  hall,  pausing  to  converse  briefly  with  one  or 
two  acquaintances,  but  he  learned  nothing;  on  the 
contrary,  he  found  those  who  knew  him,  expecting 
enlightenment  themselves  because  he  had  just  come 
from  the  ante-chamber. 

The  Baron  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  slowly  back 


1 

'ill 

'Sir 
li    i 


I  i 


I     in 


54 


TEKLA. 


to  Treves,  pondering  on  the  exciting  events  of  the 
day.  These  events  had  convinced  him  that  if  Ro- 
dolph  had  been  captured  in  the  night,  he  had  evidently 
escaped  in  the  morning,  and  that  this  was  the  mean- 
ing of  the  hurried  scouring  of  the  country.  There 
seemed  nothing  left  but  to  return  to  his  house  in 
Treves,  for  he  thought  that  if  Rodolph  could  remain 
in  hiding  until  nightfall  he  would  probably  attempt 
to  re-enter  the  house  by  the  way  he  had  departed 
from  it,  knowing  as  he  must,  the  anxiety  his  con- 
tinued absence  would  cause  his  friend.  Besides  it 
must  undoubtedly  occur  to  him  that,  while  the  search 
lasted,  the  safest  place  in  which  to  hide  was  Treves 
itself,  for  the  Archbishop  would  most  likely  imagine 
that  the  fugitive  Emperor  had  made  for  Frankfort 
with  all  the  speed  he  could  command. 

Reasoning  thus,  the  Baron  passed  again  unchal- 
lenged through  the  gate  to  his  house,  which  he  found 
just  as  he  had  left  it.  He  sent  one  of  his  servants  to 
the  cottage  by  the  river  with  strict  instructions  not  to 
quit  the  place  until  he  was  relieved,  and  to  show  two 
lights  in  the  window  if,  for  any  reason,  help  was 
needed. 

Then  the  Baron  threw  himself  down  on  a  couch  to 
get  some  rest,  and  await  the  coming  of  night. 


I 
t 


li  h 


I 


CHAPTER  V. 


LOVE  LEADS  THE  WAY. 


On  the  night  after  his  adventure  in  the  boat  with 
the  Baron,  the  Emperor  retired  early,  bolted  his  door, 
threw  open  the  window,  flung  down  the  rope,  and  so 
descended  to  the  plain  outside  the  wall.  He  made 
his  way  across  the  plateau,  pausing  for  some  moments 
to  look  at  the  lighted  windows  of  the  Palace,  but 
hesitating  to  approach  near,  fearing  to  be  challenged 
by  the  sentinels  who  marched  up  and  down  in  front 
of  the  huge  building.  Finally  he  proceeded  to  the 
upper  part  of  the  village,  knocked  at  the  door  of  his 
friend's  chalet,  and  was  admitted  by  the  young  man 
in  charge. 

"  Well,  Conrad,"  he  said,  "  has  our  eloquent  and 
skilful  archer  left  you  yet  ?  " 

**  Yes,  my  Lord.  He  went  away  this  morning  after 
he  had  breakfasted." 

"  Most  heartily,  I  warrant  ?  " 

"Yes,  my  Lord!" 

"And  whither  went  he?" 

"  He  said  he  thought  of  marching  to  the  Rhine,  my 
master  having  advised  him  that  he  would  there  find 
employment." 

"  I  doubt  not  he  will  obtain  it.  They  were  ever  a 
turbulent  crew  on  the  lordly  Rhine.  We  are  quit  of 
the  archer  then.  Have  you  seen  Hilda  since  last 
night  ?  " 

"  No,  my  Lord,"  said  the  young  man,  casting  his 
eyes  on  the  floor. 

"Ah,  there  I  stand  your  friend.  I  am  come  to  hold 
guard  until  you  return  from  the  balcony.     But  hark 


H 


56 


TEKLA. 


/-' 


!;,     Illj' 


1 1         !l^     I 


ye,  Conrad,  we  are  all  selfish  in  this  world,  and  I  de- 
mand due  recompense  for  my  watch  and  ward.  Will 
you  make  bargain  then  to  requite  good  deed  with 
good  deed  ?  " 

"  So  far  as  deed  of  mine  may  repay  you,  my  Lord, 
not  only  for  what  you  offer,  but  because  of  that  you 
have  already  done  on  my  behalf,  you  are  welcome  to 
any  service  of  mine  you  are  pleased  to  accept.  I  hold 
my  life  at  your  hands." 

"  Then  we  begin  fair,  and  I  see  I  may  make  for  my- 
self a  most  favourable  compact  with  you.  We  are 
both  of  an  age,  and  although  it  may  seem  heresy 
to  say  so  under  the  feudal  law,  there  might  be  some 
difficulty,  if  each  were  stripped  of  his  trappings,  to 
proclaim  which  of  us  was  noble  and^" which  plebeian. 
The  valiant  archer,  who  was  your  guest,  said  quite 
truly,  that  under  arms  the  best  wielder  of  his  weapon 
was  ever  the  best  man,  be  he  titled  or  nameless,  and  I 
think  the  same  holds  true  where  such  archery  as  that 
of  Cupid  comes  in  question.  To  be  plain  with  you, 
Conrad,  as  lover  to  lover,  there  exists  a  maid  in  yon- 
der palace  with  whom  I  would  fain  hold  balcony  dis- 
course— but,  alas !  she  waits  not  for  me,  listening  to 
the  ripple  of  the  river  or  for  the  splash  of  my  paddle. 
In  truth,  my  friend,  she,  like  many  in  this  district, 
knows  not  of  my  existence,  and  of  .the  fact  that  I  live 
and  adore  her  I  should  dearly  love  to  make  her 
aware." 

"  You  mean  the  Countess  Tekla,  my  Lord  ?  " 

"  Conrad,  'tis  easy  to  see  that  you  have  learned  the 
craft  of  the  arrow,  not  from  our  stupid  archer,  but 
under  the  tutelage  of  the  god  of  love  himself.  Your 
first  shaft  shot  straight  home.  Has  Hilda  ever  spoken 
of  her?" 

"  Sometimes,  my  Lord.  The  Countess  is  most  un- 
happy, she  says,  because  she  is  to  wed  the  mighty  war- 
lord Bertrich,  whom  she  loves  not." 

"  Then  are  we  laggards  indeed,  did  we  stand  idly 
by  and  offer  no  aid  to  the  lady.     Now,  Conrad,  what 


LOVE  LEADS  THE  WAY. 


57 


I  wish  you  to  do  is  this  :  discover  for  me  whether  the 
Countess  walks  in  the  garden  attended  only  by  Hilda, 
and  at  what  hour.  Get  such  particulars  as  you  can 
regarding  means  of  access  to  the  spot,  and  beseech 
Hilda,  as  she  hopes  her  own  love  shall  prosper,  to  be 
my  friend  should  I  seek  speech  with  the  Countess." 

"  My  Lord,  there  is  a  better  way  than  that.  Hilda 
told  me  when  last  the  Court  was  at  the  river  palace, 
that  I  was  to  hold  myself  in  readiness  with  my  boat, 
so  that  her  ladyship  might  come  secretly  and  be  rowed 
by  me  upon  the  water.  Nothing  has  since  been  said 
of  this  excursion,  but  I  will  ask  Hilda  to-night  if  it  has 
been  abandoned.  I  will  ask  her  also  to  urge  her  lady- 
ship to  come,  for  Hilda  has  a  persuasive  tongue,  and 
the  Countess  Tekla  thinks  much  of  her.  Then  I  shall 
tell  them  that  I  must  have  a  comrade  to  help  me  to 
manage  the  boat  because  of  the  strength  of  the  cur- 
rent." 

"  Now  the  gods  stand  our  friends,  but  that  is  a 
most  happy  con«.eit  of  yours,  Conrad  !  Cupid  should 
be  the  god  of  If  ii  s  as  of  lovers.  Therefore  get  thee 
with  haste  to  thy  balcony.  I  see  we  will  manage  this 
most  skilfully  together.  See  that  Hilda  be  ready  to  say 
a  soothing  word  should  the  Countess  take  alarm  at  my 
addressing  her.  Urge  thou  the  water  trip  ;  dilate  on 
the  beauty  of  the  full  moon,  the  quickness  with  which 
it  waneth,  and  the  softness  of  the  summer  night. 
Plead  eloquently,  Conrad,  and  let  Hilda  think  your 
anxiety  rises  from  your  desire  to  sit  near  her  in  the 
skiff,  which  will  indeed  be  the  truth." 

"  I  shall  do  my  best,  my  Lord,"  said  Conrad,  as  he 
departed. 

The  Emperor  strode  up  and  down,  humming  to 
himself  a  song  of  the  Swiss  mountains  that  told  of 
dangers  dared' for  the  sake  of  a  lady.  He  kept  his 
watch,  half-expecting  that  at  any  moment  his  friend 
Siegfried  might  knock  at  the  door ;  but  no  one  came 
until  he  heard  again  the  bump  of  the  boat's  prow 
underneath  the  house.  A  few  moments  later  Conrad 
appeared  through  the  trap-door. 


58 


TEKLA. 


r  I 


It;    •  ia: 


"  Well,  what  news  ?  "  cried  the  impatient  guard. 

"  None,  as  yet.  The  Countess  has  not  of  late 
spoken  of  the  boating  project,  but  Hilda  will  suggest 
it  and  let  me  know  the  result  to-morrow  night." 

"  Then  with  that  we  must  be  content.  To-morrow 
— at  the  same  hour — I  shall  be  here,  and  will  again 
keep  watch  for  you.  Meanwhile  take  this  and  p'  ■ 
sent  it  to  Hilda  to  wear  for  my  sake.  I  should  have 
given  it  to  you  before  you  went  to  see  her  to-night, 
but  became  so  interested  in  your  plans  that  I  forgot. 
Set  the  light  in  the  upper  window,  and  so  good  night." 

He  handed  to  the  young  man  a  jewelled  necklace, 
and  was  gone. 

At  the  same  hour  on  the  second  night  the  Emperor 
was  admitted  by  Conrad. 

"  Now  away  to  your  tryst,"  cried  Rodolph,  as  soon 
as  the  door  was  barred.  "  I  am  impatient  to  hear  the 
result  of  your  oratory  regarding  the  pleasures  of  boat- 
ing in  the  moonlight." 

The  young  man  hesitated,  then  took  from  his  bosom 
the  necklace  that  had  been  given  him  the  night  be- 
fore. 

"  I  fear,  my  Lord,  that  this  gift  is  too  costly  for  me 
to  present  or  Hilda  to  wear.     I  beg  of  you " 

"  Tush,  tush  !  Do  not  stand  there  chattering  about 
trifles.  I  promised  Hilda  a  dowry  :  it  is  in  those  jew- 
els if  I  never  give  her  more.  This  is  an  uncertain 
world,  Conrad,  and  few  of  us  know  how  long  we  may 
remain  in  it.  When  you  and  Hilda  are  married  who 
knows  where  I  may  be  ?  I  may  become  Emperor,  or 
may  be  a  beggar;  so  in  one  case  I  should  forget,  while 
in  the  other  there  would  be  little  gear  in  my  remem- 
bering. Always  take  the  good  the  gods  send,  when 
they  send  it.  'Tis  unsafe  to  wait  a  second  offer. 
And  now  begone,  begone.  Tell  Hilda  to  conceal  the 
necklace  until  such  time  as  she  can  wear  it  safely  or 
transmute  the  stones  into  gold.     Away,  away  ! 

Conrad  descended  to  his  boat  without  further  ado, 
and  again  Rodolph  paced  up  and  down  the  room  with 


LOVE  LEADS  THE  WAY. 


59 


even  more  impatience  than  he  had  shown  the  previous 
night.  It  seemed  hours  before  he  heard  the  lover  re- 
turning, and  when  the  young  man  appeared — 

"  Well,  well,  well  ? "  cried  the  waiting  Emperor, 
"  when  do  they  come,  when  do  they  come?" 

"  That  I  cannot  yet  tell,  my  Lord." 

"  Good  heavens !  May  not  a  conclusion  be  more 
speedily  reached  on  a  subject  so  trivial  ?  What  did 
Hilda  say  ?  " 

'*  She  asked  the  Countess  whether  it  was  her  will  or 
no  to  go  out  in  the  boat,  as  had  been  formerly  pro- 
posed. Her  ladyship  seemed  strangely  moved  by  so 
simple  a  question.  She  wrung  her  hands,  Hilda  said, 
and  wept  a  little,  crying  that  she  knew  not  what  to 
do.  Hilda  assured  her  I  held  myself  in  readiness,  upon 
which  the  Countess  walked  up  and  down  the  room  in 
agitation,  and  asked  Hilda  to  beg  me  not  to  fail  her, 
if  she  called  upon  me." 

"  There  is  more  in  this  than  appears  on  the  surface. 
Go  on,  go  on." 

"  She  asked  Hilda  to  inquire  particularly  where  I 
lived,  and  where  the  boat  was  kept ;  whether  any  one 
else  was  in  the  house  with  me,  and  the  like.  Then 
she  said  she  might  go  to-morrow  night,  but  would  let 
me  know.  She  said  she  must  see  the  Archbishop 
first." 

"  The  Archbishop  !  "  cried  Rodolph.  "  In  God's 
name,  did  she  say  why  ?     Is  she  a  prisoner?" 

"  Hilda  thinks  she  wishes  to  get  his  permission." 

"  A  thousand  terrors  !  This  is  most  awkward.  It 
will  mean  guards,  a  retinue,  and  what  not.  Why  did 
you  not  urge  Hilda  to  beg  her  to  come  without  such 
ceremony  ?  " 

"  I  did,  my  Lord,  right  earnestly.  Hilda  has  pro- 
mised to  do  so,  and  let  me  know  the  result  to-morrow 
night." 

*'  Another  postponement !  I  like  not  the  thought 
of  the  Archbishop  mixing  in  this  matter;  but,  come 
what  will,  we  are  ready  to  face  it,     To-morrow,  then, 


4 

L 


'M 


tl-.u 


6o 


/" ' 


TEKLA. 


I!     ;;!'  ^  I 


and  may  it  arrive  speedily.  I  give  you  good-night, 
Conrad.  I  will  be  here  at  the  same  hour  to-morrow 
night,  or  earlier." 

When  the  Emperor  arrived  on  the  third  night  the 
events  happening  in  Treves,  that  evening,  increased 
his  fear  that  something  would  prevent  his  meeting 
with  the  Countess,  He  felt  that  he  was  entangling 
his  feet  in  a  skein  that  might  at  any  time  tighten  and 
overthrow  him.  He  well  knew  that  these  three  nights' 
work  would  meet  the  strong  disapproval  of  Siegfried, 
who  had  reluctantly  enough  given  his  consent  to  the 
project  when  its  objects  were  strictly  political — the 
measuring  of  the  Archbishop's  military  strength  and 
personal  power — but  now  that  Mars  had  given  way  to 
Cupid,  Rodolph  dreaded  the  opinion  of  his  friend, 
should  he  get  inkling  of  the  change  of  purpose.  Sieg- 
fried's hope  was  to  see  Rodolph  not  only  become  a 
real  Emperor,  but  a  gieat  one,  reducing  his  powerful 
and  haughty  subjects,  the  Archbishops,  for  instance, 
to  their  proper  relation  to  the  Imperial  Throne. 
The  Emperor  had  been  inspired  with  enthusiasm 
when  he  left  Frankfort,  resolving  to  fulfil  his  destiny, 
but  now  he  could  not  conceal  from  himself  that  all  po- 
litical visions  had  dissolved  for  the  moment  because 
of  one  fleeting  glance  at  a  handsome  woman.  He 
knew  he  was  jeopardising  his  brilliant  future,  and  per- 
haps life  itself,  for  the  mere  chance  of  speaking  to  her, 
and  sitting  near  her.  But  he  was  twenty-eight,  and 
he  never  even  thought  of  turning  back. 

Conrad  had  nothing  new  to  tell  him  when  Rodolph 
entered  the  house  by  the  river,  and  the  Emperor  hur- 
ried him  away,  begging  him  to  make  his  visit  at  the 
balcony  as  brief  as  possible.  The  visit  was  indeed 
brief,  for  the  Emperor,  impatient  as  he  was,  had  hardly 
imagined  Conrad  at  the  Palace  when  the  bumping  of 
the  boat  underneath  the  house  announced  his  return. 
Conrad  came  up  through  the  trap-door. 

"  Hilda  is  not  there,  my  Lord,"  he  said. 

*'  Not  there?    Why  did  you  not  wait  ?     My  anxiety 


LOVE  LEADS  THE  WAY. 


61 


has  brought  me  here  early,  yet  I  could  have  sworn  I 
arrived  later  than  on  either  of  the  other  nights." 

"  It  is  later ;  therefore  I  wonder  what  has  detained 
her.  I  did  not  wait,  my  Lord,  but  thought  it  best  to 
return  and  let  you  know.     I  can  go  instantly  back." 

"Do  so,  Conrad;  do  sq._.  She  may._he  waiting  fox 
you  now." 

As  Conrad  was  about  to  depart  there  came  a  dis- 
tinct knock  at  tL<^  door.  The  two  men  looked  at 
each  other,  Conrad  in  alarm,  Rodolph  with  an  ex- 
pression of  annoyance  in  his  face.  Much  as  he  loved 
his  friend,  the  Baron  was  the  last  person  on  earth 
whose  presence  he  desired  at  that  moment.  Not  even 
the  Archbishop  would  be  more  unwelcome. 

The  knock  was  repeated  with  some  emphasis. 

"Is  there  anyplace  from  which  you  can  see  who 
knocks?  The  moon  shines  full  on  the  front  of  the 
house,"  whispered  Rodolph. 

"  Yes ;  through  the  shutters  of  that  bow-shot  win- 
dow." 

"  Then  move  cautiously  to  reconnoitre.  We  will 
decide  how  to  act  when  we  know  who  is  there." 

Conrad  tip-toed  to  the  window,  peered  through,  and 
drew  back  with  a  suppressed  exclamation. 

It  is  the  Countess  Tekla  herself,"  he  cried. 


■Mi 

If 


a 


■I 


1 

*  1 

i  ■' 
i    j 

' 

!  j! 

j 

CHAPTER  VI. 


AN  UNWISHED-FOR  MARRIAGE  DAY. 


ill      ' 


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r^: 


% "' 


1 1  Jl 


li! 


,! 


The  Countess  Tekla  having  dismissed  her  waiting- 
maid,  sat  long  in  her  boudoir  over-looking  the  Moselle, 
and  thought  deeply  upon  the  question  that  the  girl 
had  brought  uppermost,  by  asking  if  the  Countess  had 
abandoned  all  purpose  of  making  an  excursion  on  the 
river.  Such  indeed  had  once  been  her  'ntention  if  the 
iron  Archbishop,  her  unrelenting  guarc'ian,  persisted 
in  forcing  his  will  upon  her.  His  last  word  had  been 
given  her  the  day  the  Court  left  Treves,  and  it  was  to 
the  effect  that  she  should  hold  herself  in  readiness  to 
wed  Count  Bertrich  at  the  Cathedral  when  the  Court 
returned.  The  time  for  preparation  was  short,  and 
once  inside  the  walls  of  that  grim  city,  all  chance  of 
escape  would  be  cut  off.  Could  she  but  reach  Castle 
Thuron,  the  lofty  stronghold  of  her  uncle  Count 
Heinrich  the  Bkick,  on  the  Lower  Moselle,  she  felt 
that,  for  the  sake  of  kinship,  if  not  for  her  broad  lands, 
he  would  refuse  to  give  her  up  again  to  the  Archbishop 
and  to  this  abhorred  union  with  a  middle-aged  ruffian, 
who,  rumour  said,  had  murdered  his  first  wife. 

The  stern  Black  Count,  her  uncle,  she  had  never 
seen,  and  what  she  had  heard  of  him  was  disquieting 
enough.  His  mailed  hand  was  heavy,  and  it  caine 
down  with  crushing  force  on  all  who  opposed  his  will  ; 
but  he  could  not  make  for  her  a  more  detested  match 
than  that  which  the  Archbishop  insisted  upon  ;  and 
then  he  was  her  mother's  brother  ;  if  any  trace  of  soft- 
ness was  concealed  in  his  adamantine  nature  his  niece 
might  perhaps  touch  it,  for  he  had  no  chiidren  of  his 
own. 


AN  UNWISHED-FOR  MARRIAGE  DAY.    63 


Yet  the  Countess  felt  that  in  setting  up  her  own 
will  against  that  of  her  guardian  she  was  doing  an  un- 
heard of,  unmaidenly  act.  All  women  were  thus  dis- 
posed of.  How  came  it  that  rebellion  against  just 
authority  arose  in  her  heart  ?  She  could  not  herself 
account  for  this  strange  anomaly,  and  she  feared  that 
evil  lurked  somewhere  in  her  nature.  She  had  con- 
fessed this  feeling  to  her  spiritual  adviser,  and  he  had 
mildly,  reproachfully  censured  her  for  it,  placing  her 
under  penance  that  she  willingly  endured,  hoping  it 
would  bring  about  a  change ;  but  it  had  not,  and  she 
shuddered  every  time  the  battle-scarred  face  of  Count 
Bertrich  leered  upon  her.  The  Countess  knelt  before 
the  image  of  her  patron  saint  and  implored  help  ;  help 
to  decide :  help  to  oppose  ;  help  to  submit ;  but  the 
placid  saint  had  sent,  as  yet,  no  solution  of  the  problem. 

When  last  the  Archbishop  spoke,  he  spoke  as  one 
giving  final  decision  and  he  permitted  neither  reply 
nor  comment.  The  days  by  the  river  were  slipping 
away  and  none  knew  how  soon  the  Archbishop  might 
suddenly  make  up  his  mind  to  return  to  Treves. 
Then  the  Cathedral,  and  the  wedding  procession ! 
Why  had  Hilda  spoken  of  the  river  and  the  skiff; 
that  wild  project  which  she  had  prayed  for  help  to 
put  out  of  her  mind?  Was  this  then  an  indication 
that  het  saint  had  come  to  a  decision  and  that  too  in 
her  favour?     It  certainly  seemed  so. 

She  resolved  to  seek  her  guardian,  throw  herself  at 
his  feet  and  implore  him  by  the  love  he  had  once  held 
for  her  father,  who  had  lost  his  life  in  the  Archbishop's 
service,  to  release  her  from  this  loathed  union.  She 
would  give  up  her  lands  willingly,  if  that  were  required, 
and  would  retire  to  a  convent  i'l  Treves,  or  to  any 
other  place  of  refuge  that  might  be  appointed. 

Arnold  von  Isenberg  sat  in  a  chair  that  was  with 
difficulty  to  be  distinguished  from  a  throne.  The 
back  rose  high  above  his  head,  and  at  the  top  was 
carved  in  gilded  relief  the  arms  of  the  Electorate. 
The  tall  pointed  coloured  windows  by  the  river,  cast 


Ml 


f.1 


■m 


64 


TEKLA. 


I; 


i 


1 


•11 


■i. 


li   n 


HI  I 


!i;i 


a  subdued  radiance  of  many  hues  on  the  smooth  sur- 
face of  the  polished  oaken  floor.  The  lofty  timbered 
roof  of  the  large  room  gave  the  apartment  the  appear- 
ance of  a  chapel,  which  effect  was  heightened  by  an 
altar  at  one  end,  where  several  high  wax  candles 
burned  unceasingly. 

Near  the  Archbishop,  by  a  table,  sat  the. monkish 
secretary,  who  wrote  at  his  Lordship's  slow  dictation, 
orders  pertaining  to  business  both  ecclesiastical  and 
military.  At  the  door  of  the  room,  which  was  con- 
cealed by  a  heavy  crimson  curtain,  stood  two  fully- 
mailed  men-at-arms,  with  tall  pikes  upright,  whose 
ends  rested  on  the  polished  floor.  Near  them,  out  of 
hearing  of  the  Archbishop's  low  v-oice,  stood,  cap  in 
hand,  a  courier  equipped  for  riding,  evidently  await- 
ing the  despatches  which  the  monk  was  writing. 
Deep  silence  peivaded  the  great  room  and  each  per- 
son within  it  was  motionless,  save  only  the  monk,  who 
now  was  tying  the  despatches  into  bundles  and  sealing 
them  at  the  small  candle  which  burned  on  the  table 
beside  him. 

The  heavy  drapery  over  the  door  parted,  and  a 
retainer  entered  softly,  standing  with  his  back  to 
the  curtain  until  a  scarcely  perceptible  motion  of  the 
Archbishop's  head  permitted  him  to  advance.  Drop- 
ping on  one  knee  before  the  seated  monarch,  he  said : 

"  My  Lord  Archbishop,  the  Countess  Tekla  begs  to 
be  admitted." 

The  Archbishop  made  no  reply,  and  the  messenger 
remained  on  his  knee.  The  :'c3patches  were  given  to 
the  waiting  courier,  who  departed.  Then  his  Lordship 
said  curtly,  "  Admit  her." 

The  messenger,  rising,  went  to  the  door,  held  back 
the  curtains,  and  a  moment  later  there  glided  into 
the  room  the  Countess  Tekla,  who  stood  pale  against 
the  crimson  background.  The  Archbishop  regarded 
her  with  a  dark  and  menacing  look,  but  gave  no 
other  greeting.  Seeing  no  motion  which  invited 
her  to  approach,  the  girl,  after  standing  a  moment  or 


I 


AN  UNWISHED-FOR  MARRIAGE  DAY.    65 


two   in   hesitation,  moved  swiftly  forward  and   sank 
down  before  the  throne.  -  '^ 

"  My  Lord,"  she  murmured  ;  then  agitation  seemed 
to  choke  her  utterance. 

*'  If  you  come  here  to  kneel,"  said  the  Archbishop, 
in  low,  deep  tones,  "  kneel  at  the  altar  yonder  and  not 
to  me.  While  you  are  there,  pray  that  the  saints 
bestow  upon  you  a  contrite  spirit." 

"  My  Lord,"  she  cried,  **  I  beg  of  you  to  take  my 
lands,  and  graciously  permit  me  to  retire  to  a  convent 
that  you  may  be  pleased  to  appoint  for  me." 

"  Your  lands  are  mine,  as  your  person  is  mine,  to 
dispose  of  at  my  will,  unquestioned." 

"  My  Lord,  when  my  father  gave  my  guardianship 
to  you " 

"  I  hold  my  guardianship,  not  by  your  father's  will, 
but  through  the  reading  of  the  feudal  law.  Your 
father,  in  dutifully  testifying  that  his  wish  ran  parallel 
with  the  law,  set  an  example  which  his  daughter  may 
profitably  follow." 

"  I  wish  to,  follow  his  example.  I  wish  to  render 
up  to  you  all  lands  that  were  his.  I  wish  to  devote 
my  poor  services  to  Mother  Church." 

"Your  poor  services  shall  be  given  where  I  bestow 
them.  Betake  yourself  to  your  apartments,  and  come 
not  here  again  until  you  bring  with  you  a  bending 
will  and  an  unrebellious  spirit." 

"  My  lord  guardian,  I  do  beseech  you  to  hear  me." 

"  I  have  heard  enough  and  too  much,"  said  the 
Archbishop  sternly.  "  Write,"  he  added  to  the  secre- 
tary :  **  *  To  Count  Bertrich.  Hold  yourself  in  readi- 
ness to  wed  the  Countess  Tekla  in  the  chapel  of  our 
summer  palace  two  days  hence — on  Friday  at  mid- 
day.' " 

The  Countess  rose  to  her  feet,  the  colour  mounting 
to  her  cheek  and  brow. 

"  My  Lord,"  she  cried,  a  ring  of  indignation  in  her 
voice,  "  add  to  that  a  request  that  the  Count  dis- 
close to  you  the  cause  of  his  first  wife's  death,  so  that 


4'^ 


\ 


66 


TEKLA. 


r  \ 


\ 


'I!' 


I!    I  4, 


i: 


you  may  judge  whether  he  is  a  fit  person  to  entrust 
with  a  second." 

"  You  may  question  him  regarding  that  after  mar- 
riage. I  have  ever  understood  that  a  man  will  grant 
information  to.  his  bride  which  he  risks  peril  of  his 
soul  by  concealing  from  his  confessor.  To  your  apart- 
ments,  obstinate  woman ;  there  is  but  brief  space  to 
prepare  for  the  festivities." 

"  My  Lord,  my  Lord,  I  bid  you  beware.  It  is  feudal 
law  that  you  may  dispose  of  my  hand  as  you  will ; 
but  by  feudal  law  I  also  have  the  right  to  make  choice 
instead  of  a  convent  and  forfeiture  of  my  lands." 

"  Despatch  that  message  to  Count  Bertrich,"  said 
the  Elector  to  his  secretary. 

"  My  Lord  Archbishop,  I  will  appeal  to  our  Holy 
Father,  the  Pope,  and  to  the  Emperor." 

"  Do  so.  We  will  marry  you  first,  and  should  we 
have  made  a  mistake  our  Holy  Father  hath  ample 
power  to  remedy  it.  And  now,  madame,  your  audi- 
ence is  ended." 

The  Countess  retired  to  her  apartments,  knelt  be- 
fore the  image  of  her  saint  and  prayed  for  guidance. 
She  was  in  some  doubt  that  the  harsh  old  man  would 
insist  on  the  carrying  out  of  his  threat,  and  she  had 
hope  that  he  would  send  for  her  to  tell  her  so,  but 
no  message  came  from  him.  Tekla  slept  little  that 
night,  and  going  down  to  early  mass  she  saw  the 
chapel  already  decorated  for  the  dreaded  ceremony, 
the  workmen  having  evidently  spent  the  night  in  pre- 
paring it. 

The  floral  wreaths,  the  loops  of  white  flowers  breath- 
ing sweetness  and  perfume,  typical  of  love,  joy  and 
happiness,  seemed  in  such  ghastly  contrast  to  the 
reality,  that  their  simple  presence  did  more  to  decide 
the  girl  than  all  the  other  influences  which,  on  that 
eventful  day,  helped  to  shape  her  conduct. 

Slie  resolved  to  escape  from  the  thraldom  of  the 
Archbishop  ;  seek  refuge  in  the  castle  of  her  uncle, 
and  from  that  haven  send  an  appeal  to  the  Pope  and 


AN  UNWISHED-FOR  MARRIAGE  DAY.    67 


also  to  the  Emperor.  The  only  question  was  now 
that  of  means.  Castle  Thuron  was  on  the  Moselle ; 
the  river  was  swift ;  she  knew  little  of  the  geography 
of  the  country,  but  she  was  aware  that  the  roads  by 
tlie  stream  were  bad,  and  she  doubted  if  they  extended 
all  or  even  the  greater  part  of  the  way  to  the  Rhine. 
Could  she  once  get  several  hours  start,  on  that  rapid 
current,  the  chances  of  being  overtaken  were  slight. 

While  the  Countess  had  full  confidence  in  her  maid 
Hilda,  she  thought  it  better  not  to  confide  her  plans 
to  any  one.  Hilda  would  be  sure  to  tell  her  lover, 
and  that  young  man  might  at  the  very  outset  refuse 
to  undertake  so  perilous  a  voyage. 

Then  if  Hilda  were  cross-questioned  and  became 
frightened,  she  could  not  confess  what  she  did  not 
know.  In  the  case  of  failure  Tekla  wished  to  face  all 
the  results  of  her  rebellion  alone,  and  leave  herself 
the  right  to  say  that  none  other  knew  of  her  purpose. 
Questioning  Hilda,  and  finding  she  had  learned  where 
Conrad  lived,  the  Countess,  with  the  natural  craft  of 
her  sex,  made  preparations  calculated  to  baffle  her  pur- 
suers, temporarily  at  least.  When  darkness  set  in, 
she  requested  Hilda  to  lay  out  for  her  the  costume 
she  usually  wore.  This  costume  she  astonished  Hilda 
by  asking  her  to  put  on.  When  the  tire-woman  had 
thus  arrayed  herself  the  two  looked  like  sisters,  and 
Hilda  laughed  merrily  at  the  transformation,  which 
caused  even  the  Countess,  anxious  as  she  was,  to 
smile. 

"  Now  listen  attentively,  Hilda,  and  act  with  cir- 
cumspection. I  have  reason  for  wishing  you  to  be 
mistaken  for  me  to-night.  You  will  put  on  this  heavy 
veil  so  that  none  may  sec  your  face.  Go  quietly 
through  the  Palace  and  pass  the  guards  without  speak- 
ing to  any  or  looking  at  any.  Avoid  meeting  three 
persons  at  all  hazards  ;  return  at  once  if  you  see  one  or 
other  of  them,  and  hie  forth  aj^ain  as  soon  as  danger  is 
past.  These  three  arc  the  Archbishop,  Count  Bertrich, 
and  the  monk  who  is  his  Lordship's  secretary.     The 


% 


i4»l 


■  if 


68 


TEKLA. 


r  *  .. 


guards  will  not  stop  you  nor  speak  to  you,  thinking  it 
is  I  who  pass.  Once  outside,  see  that  you  are  not 
followed,  then  get  you  to  Conrad's  house  and  bid 
him  instantly  to  take  you  in  his  boat  to  the  water- 
steps  of  the  Palace,  where  I  will  await  you." 

"  Conrad  spoke  of  another  to  help  him  with  the 
boat ;  should  he  be  absent  shall  Conrad  search  for 
him,  my  Lady  ?  " 

"  No.  If  he  is  there,  bring  him  ;  if  he  is  not,  come 
instantly  without.  But  first  you  must  come  with  me 
to  the  water-door  and  bolt  the  door  when  I  am  out 
upon  the  steps." 

"  But  how  shall  we  return,  my  Lady  ?  " 

"  I  will  tell  thee  more  regarding  our  return  when 
we  are  in  the  boat." 

Hilda  barred  her  lady  out,  which  seemed  a  strange 
proceeding,  then,  safely  reached  without  question  or 
following,  the  door  of  Baron  Siegfried,  where  she 
knocked  twice. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE   COUNTESS. 


"  It  is  the  Countess  Tekla  herself,"  cried  Conrad,  at 
the  window. 

"  Then  unbar  at  once  and  do  not  keep  her  waiting," 
commanded  the  Emperor,  eagerly. 

The  bolts  were  instantly  drawn  back  and  the  door 
thrown  open. 

"Oh,  Conrad,"  whispered  Hilda,  flinging  the  veil 
over  her  shoulder,  thus  disclosing  her  face.  She  paused 
in  the  midst  of  her  speech  when  she  saw  a  stranger 
standing  there. 

"  It  is  Hilda,"  said  Conrad,  to  the  Emperor.  "  Why 
do  you  masquerade  as  the  Countess,  Hilda?" 

*'  It  was  her  ladyship's  wish.  You  are  to  take  me 
in  the  boat  with  you  immediately.  The  Countess 
awaits  us  at  the  watersteps." 

The  trap-door  was  open,  and  the  Emperor  descended, 
saying,  hastily,  "  Come,  Conrad." 

"  He  is  no  boatman,"  whispered  Hilda,  holding  back 
in  alarm.     "  Who  is " 

"  Hush !  "  breathed  Conrad,  "  trust  to  me  and  come." 

An  instant  later  the  boat  was  pushed  out  with  its 
three  passengers,  moving  swiftly  and  silently  down  the 
stream,  propelled  by  the  lusty  but  noiseless  strokes  of 
Conrad's  paddle.  As  they  approached  the  watersteps 
it  seemed  at  first  that  no  one  was  there,  but  as  Conrad 
with  outstretched  arm  placed  hand  on  the  stone  stair- 
way and  brought  the  boat  to  a  stand,  the  shadowy 
form  of  the  Countess  came  away  from  the  closed  door 
and  a  whisper  breathed  the  name  of  Hilda.  •  Hilda  re- 
sponded reassuringly,  and  the  Countess  came  down 
the  steps,  Rodolph  standing  and  handing  her  into  the 


i 


.■:'ii 


■ill- 


70 


TEKLA. 


r  t 


|:     'V 


boat  with  a  deference  that  the  lady  was  too  much  agi- 
tated to  notice.  Her  small  hand,  lightly  touching  his 
as  she  stepped  into  the  boat,  sent  a  thrill  through  him 
such  as  he  had  never  experienced  before.  The  Count- 
ess sat  down  with  her  back  toward  him,  facing  Hilda 
and  Conrad. 

"Now,  good  rowers,"  she  said,  breathing  quickly, 
"  keep  within  the  shadow  of  the  bank  until  we  are 
sure  to  have  escaped  espionage,  then  I  shall  have  fur- 
ther instructions,  and  remember  that  if  you  work  well 
and  silently  I  shall  reward  you  beyond  your  hopes." 

*'  May  that  prove  true  in  my  case,"  said  Rodolph  to 
himself. 

The  huge  Palace  seemed  to  float  to  the  west ;  the 
moon  shone  brightly,  but  there  was  shadow  enough 
thrown  by  the  low  bank  to  conceal  the  voyagers  not 
only  from  chance  wayfarers,  should  there  be  any, 
which  was  unlikely,  but  also  from  each  other.  The 
summer  night  was  warm,  and  not  a  breath  of  wind 
rippled  the  surface  of  the  river.  Now  and  then  some 
waterfowl,  disturbed  by  their  approach,  plashed  two  or 
three  times,  beating  wing  against  water,  until  it  rose 
with  a  cry  and  soared  away  into  the  night. 

They  had  made  down  the  river  for  nearly  an  hour 
when  Conrad  began  murmuring  to  Hilda,  who  sat  next 
him. 

"The  Countess  docs  not  know  how  swift  this  river 
is,"  he  said.  "  We  will  not  get  back  in  a  week  if  we 
go  much  further.  If  it  had  been  up  the  stream  time 
would  matter  little,  but  down " 

•*  What  does  he  say  ?  "  asked  the  Countess. 

"  He  fears  we  cannot  return  betimes  if  we  go  fur- 
ther.     The  current  is  fleet  to  row  against." 

•'  Conrad,"  said  the  Countess,  bending  towards  him, 
**we  go  not  back,  but  forward.  Seek  the  speediest 
part  of  the  river,  and  guide  the  boat  into  it.  I  am  on 
my  way  to  Castle  Thuron  near  the  Rhine." 

Both  Hilda  and  Conrad  gave  utterance  to  exclama- 
tions  of  astonishment  and  alarm. 


THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  COUNTESS.      71 


"But  the  Archbishop?"  cried  Hilda. 

"  But  my  master!  "  groaned  Conrad. 

"  The  Archbishop  will  follow  us  in  hot  haste  when 
he  finds  us  gone,  Hilda,  which  will  be  some  time  be- 
fore noontide  to-morrow,  therefore  must  Conrad  per- 
suade the  swift  stream  to  aid  his  stout  arms." 

"  The  boat  is  not  mine,"  said  Conrad,  "  and  I  have 
left  my  master  without  his  sanction." 

"  I  will  amply  reward  your  master  for  the  losing  of 
his  boat,  and  you  for  the  guiding  of  it.  Both  you 
and  your  comrade  will  I  take  into  my  employ,  and 
neither  shall  lose  by  the  transfer." 

'*  Will  you  stand  for  me  against  my  master  as  you 
did  before,  my  Lord,"  cried  Conrad,  in  great  alarm  at 
the  possible  consequences  of  his  desertion  from  a  mas- 
ter who  brooked  no  excuse." 

"  My  Lord  !  "  cried  the  Countess,  half-rising  and 
looking  round  for  the  first  time  at  the  second  boat- 
man, on  whom  the  moonlight  now  fell,  showing  that 
he  had  removed  his  cap,  and  was  bowing  to  her. 

"  I  pray  you,  madame,  do  not  stand,  for  this  boat  is 
but  unsteady  at  best.  I  beg  you  not  to  be  alarmed, 
for  I  shall  be  as  faithful  to  your  behests  as  Conrad 
here,  and  no  man  can  give  himself  higher  warrant." 

"  What  lord  are  you,  or  are  you  one  ?  " 

"  Conrad,  in  his  excitement,  gives  me  title  to  which 
I  make  no  claim,  exaggerating  my  importance  because 
of  some  influence  I  have  exerted  on  his  behalf  with 
his  master." 

**  What  is  your  name  and  quality,  for  I  see  you  are 
no  waterman  ?  " 

"  I  am  sorely  disappointed  to  hear  you  say  so, 
madame,  for  I  hoped  to  make  good  my  reputation  as 
waterman  by  my  work  to-night.  My  name  is  Rodolph, 
and  none  who  know  me  will  deny  I  am  a  gentleman." 

"  Are  you  German  ?  " 

'*  As  German  as  the  Emperor  and  a  fellow-country- 
man of  his." 

"  You  are  a  Swiss  adventurer,  then  ?  " 


1! 

■  "'H 

5-fe"' 


m 


m 


M 


hi 


!^  ^'i'l 


!      1 


^  I 


I   I 


Ui:, 


72 


TEKLA. 


"All  men  have  a  touch  of  the  adventurer  about 
them  :  I  not  more  than  others,  I  hope." 

"  Why  are  you  here  disguised  as  a  boatman  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  disguised,  b'lt  in  my  ordinary  dress— 
the  costume  in  which  I  hav  ^  appeared  these  few  days 
past  in  Treves.  The  house  by  the  river,  of  which 
Conrad  is  caretaker,  belongs  to  mv  friend,  who  is  Con- 
rad's master.  It  happened  that  I  was  there  when 
your  tire-woman  came  in  real  disguise,  and  when  I 
heard  that  you  awaited  the  boat  on  the  watersteps  of 
the  Palace  I  felt  sure  something  more  serious  than  an 
excuision  by  moonlight  was  intended,  although  Con- 
rad suspected  nothing.  I  came,  therefore,  thinking 
you  might  perhaps  need  the  help  of  a  good  sword,  and 
that  sword  I  now  lay  at  your  feet." 

"  I  need  a  swift  paddle  rather  than  the  best  of 
swords.     My  safety  lies  in  ^ight,  and  not  in  fightmg." 

"  My  services  as  oarsman  are  also  at  your  disposal, 
madame.  I  trust  that  in  your  presence  there  will  be 
no  need  for  swordsmanship ;  but  should  such  necessity 
arise  a  stout  blade  is  not  to  be  despised." 

The  Countess  mused  for  some  moments  in  silence, 
evidently  disquieted  by  the  intrusion  of  a  stranger,  yet 
well  aware  that  if  he  proved  true  and  staunch  his  help 
might  be  invaluable.  It  was  impossible  for  her  to 
question  Conrad  about  him  in  his  presence,  for  she 
saw  he  was  a  gentleman,  as  he  had  asserted,  but  a  fear 
arose  that  he  might  be  some  adherent  of  the  Arch- 
bishop, intent  on  furthering  his  own  interests  by  de- 
livering her  into  the  hands  of  his  Lordship's  minions. 
She  knew  that  at  various  posts  along  the  river,  com- 
panies of  the  Archbishop's  troops  were  stationed — at 
Bruttig,  at  Cochem,  and  elsewhere  ;  he  could,  at  the 
moment  of  passing  any  one  of  these  places,  give  the 
alarm  which  would  result  in  her  immediate  capture. 
He  was  armed  and  Conrad  was  not,  therefore  there 
might  be  some  difficulty  in  disposing  of  him  even  if  no 
help  were  at  hand.  Still  anything  was  better  than  un- 
certainty, and  she  resolved  to  act  at  once.     The  river 


■SSSSSra 


THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  COUNTESS.       73 


now  ran  between  high  hills,  densely  wooded  from  top 
to  water's  edge.  If  he  could  be  put  off  it  were  better 
to  disembark  him  in  a  wilderness  like  this,  than  at 
some  settlement  where  he  had  opportunity  of  raising 
the  hue  and  cry  of  pursuit.  Yet  she  did  not  wish  to 
leave  him  to  starve  or  be  torn  in  pieces  by  wild 
boars  roaming  an  almost  unlimited  forest.  The  per- 
plexing part  of  the  problem  lay  in  the  fact  that  if  he 
were  a  spy  and  a  traitor  he  might  refuse  to  land,  while 
if  he  were  a  true  man  he  would  rid  them  of  his  com- 
pany when  he  saw  that  it  was  not  wanted. 

The  Countess  leaned  forward  and  spoke  to  Ccn  ad. 

"  Do  you  know  this  river  ?  " 

"  I  know  it  as  far  as  Cochem,  my  lady." 

"  Where  are  we  now,  think  you  ?  " 

"  We  are  some  two  leagues  above  the  ancient 
Roman  town  of  Boveris." 

Turning  to  Rudolph,  she  said  : 

"  Is  the  Archbishop  your  over-lord  ?  " 

"  No,  madame.  I  am  a  free  man,  owing  allegiance 
to  none." 

"Not  to  the  Emperor?" 

**  To  the  Emperor,  of  course,  but  to  none  other." 

"  Where  did  you  come  from,  and  how  long  have  you 
been  in  Treves  ?  " 

'*  I  came  from  Frankfort  some  three  or  four  days 
since,  and  never  saw  Treves  before." 

"  You  came  to  seek  service  vith  the  Archbishop 
perhaps?" 

**  No,  madame.  I  am  a  student  as  well  as  soldier. 
I  came  merely  to  inform  myself  regarding  the  man- 
ners and  customs  of  so  celebrated  and  ancient  a  city 
as  Treves." 

"  Know  you  who  I  am?  " 

**  You  arc  the  Countess  Tekla,  ward  of  the  A'-ch- 
bishcp  of  Treves  and  niece  of  Count  Heinrich,  to  who3C 
Castle  of  Thuron  you  arc  now  betaking  yourself." 

"  You  are  well  informed.  For  what  object  did  you 
gather  this  knowledge  ?  " 


■f  1 

^B' 

Hit    1 

■      '■'■,'!'■ 

1    : 

■  1 
J  :  ■ 

% 

1 

il 


. .  I 


m\ 


74 


TEKLA. 


1 "' 


"  I  sat  on  horseback  outside  the  North  Gate,  having 
just  arrived  from  Frankfort,  when  the  Archbishop 
and  his  train  passed  through  on  their  way  to  the 
summer  palace.  I  saw  you  riding  by  his  side,  and 
discovered  who  you  were."  In,        i 

"  Were  you  similarly  inquisitive  regarding  the  other 
ladies  of  the  Court  ?  " 

"  I  saw  no  others,  madame." 

The  Countess  seemed  taken  aback  by  this  reply  and 
remained  silent  for  a  few  xnoments.  At  last  she  said, 
with  deep  displeasure  in  her  voice : 

"  I  distrust  you,  sir.  If  you  are  a  gentleman,  as 
you  say,  you  are  aware  that  none  such  thrusts  himself 
uninvited  into  a  lady's  presence.  I  ask  you,  therefore, 
to  leave  us." 

**  I  am  truly  grieved,  madame,  to  refuse  your 
slightest  request,  but  I  will  not  leave  you  until  I  see 
you  safely  at  the  gate  of  Castle  Thuron." 

This  refusal  at  once  confirmed  all  the  fears  the 
Countess  had  entertained.  With  rising  anger  she 
cried : 

"  Not  to  the  gates  of  Thuron  will  you  deliver  me, 
but  to  the  Archbishop's  troops  at  Bruttig,  and  then 
return  to  Treves  for  your  reward."  ' 

Having  said  this  she  did  what  any  girl  of  nineteen 
might  have  been  expected  to  do — she  buried  her  face 
in  her  hands  and  wept. 

"  Madame,"  saic.  Rodolph,  "  forgive  me.  I  may 
have  overrated  m>  ability  to  serve  you  in  the  future, 
but  I  see  there  is  no  doubt  I  cause  you  present  dis- 
tress. I  will  at  once  do  as  you  desire.  Conrad,  draw 
the  boat  toward  the  northern  shore." 

When  the  craft  touched  the  bank  Rodolph  sprang 
on  a  rock  that  jutted  into  the  stream.  Before  leaving 
the  skiff  he  slipped  his  cloak  from  his  shoulders  and 
allowed  it  to  remain  where  he  had  been  seated.  On 
landing  he  drew  his  sword  from  its  scabbard  and  flung 
it  to  Conrad,  saying,  **  Use  that  only  when  you  arc 
compelled  to  do  so,  but  trust,  ur'ess  something  un- 


iSSSS 


THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  COUNTESS.      75 

foreseen  occurs,  to  the  paddle.  Keep  the  boat  in  the 
swiftest  part  of  the  current  and  stop  question  for 
none.  And  now,  away  with  all  speed,  getting  as  far 
down  the  river  as  possible  before  daybreak." 

Conrad  looked  stupidly  from  the  sword  lying  at  the 
bottom  of  the  boat,  up  to  its  owner  standing  on  the 
rock,  not  comprehending  at  first  what  had  happened 
or  was  about  to  happen.  When  the  situation  broke 
upon  him  he  cried  : 

"  You  are  surely  not  going  to  desert  us,  my  Lord  ?  " 

Rodolph  gave  no  answer,  but  the  Countess,  drying 
her  tears,  made  reply  to  him. 

"  It  is  my  wish  that  he  leave  us,  Conrad."   i 

**  If  that  be  the  case,"  said  Conrad,  stoutly,  "  I  re- 
turn to  Treves.  I  have  put  my  neck  in  a  halter  only 
on  the  assurance  of  his  Lordship  that  the  'ope  be  not 
pulled.  If  my  surety  is  gone,  then  will  the  halter 
tighten.  I^iol  an  inch  further  down  the  Moselle  do  I 
go ;  in  truth,  we  are  much  too  far  already,  and  God 
knows  what  time  we  shall  see  Treves  a£;ain,  against 
this  current."  ;  ,  j  r     i       1^    j 

"  Tell  your  fellow,"  Sai  J  the  Countess,  hnperiousiy,  to 
Hilda,  "  that  he  must  complete  the  task  he  has  begun. 
He  will  obey  yc<u,  even  though  he  refuse  orders  from 
me,  and  I  will  protect  hin»  at  the  journey's  end." 

"  Indeed,  indeed,  my  Lady,"  cried  Hilda,  in  despair, 
torn  between  love  for  her  lover  and  loyalty  to  her 
mistress,  "  why  cannot  we  go  on  as  we  began  ?  What 
needs  this  lord  to  be  sent  thus  adrift  in  the  forest, 
weaponless  ?  " 

**  We  want  not  his  weapon ;  our  safety,  as  he  him- 
self says,  is  in  flight.  Give  back  the  swoid,  Conrad. 
I  will  protect  you." 

"  Pardon  me,  my  Lady,"  replied  Conrad,  with  sullen 
stubborness,  **  but  how  you  can  protect  me  when  you 
arc  flying  for  your  own  safety  I  cannot  comprehend. 
The  one  who  can  protect  me  and  who  has  done  so. 
stands  on  the  bank,  and  either  he  comes  again  into 
the  boat,  or  I  go  back  ';o  Treves.  The  fewer  words 
that  are  spf^ken  the  less  time  there  is  lost."       '       '"' 


ii 


m 


76 


TEKLA. 


i   vi 


i  (':S1 


11  ii 

i    1    i   Hi 


il 


i,  * 


l'i< 


i 


The  Countess  Tekla  was  quick  in  her  decisions. 
She  turned  to  the  young  man  standing  silent  in  the 
moonlight  upon  the  rock.  She  could  not  but  see 
what  a  handsome  manly  fellow  he  was,  and  at  the 
sight  of  him  her  fears  regarding  his  loyalty  diminished, 
in  spite  of  herself,  although  she  strove  in  her  own 
mind  to  justify  her  action. 

"  My  Lord,  as  they  persist  in  calling  you,  in  derision 
of  your  disclaimer,  you  see  my  crew  has  mutinied  on 
your  account.  I  beg  of  you,  therefore,  to  return  to 
your  place." 

"  Countess,"  answered  Rodolph,  "  more  great  enter- 
prises have  been  wrecked  through  mutiny  within  the 
ranks,  than  because  of  the  enemy  without.  It  is  un- 
pleasant to  be  looked  upon  as  a  traitor  by  one  we  are 
proud  to  serve  freely,  therefore,  as  a  condition  of  re- 
turning I  must  ask  you  to  withdraw  the  imputation 
you  cast  upon  me." 

**  I  do  withdraw  it.  Have  you  further  terms  to 
make  now  that  you  see  me  helpless  ?  " 

"  I  shall  take  advantage  of  your  helplessness  to  im- 
pose one  more  condition.  I  am  to  be  captain  of  this 
expedition,  my  power  being  absolute  and  unques- 
tioned. You,  not  less  than  they,  are  to  be  under  my 
orders,  which  must  be  obeyed  promptly  and  implicitly. 
Do  you  agree  ?  " 

"  Having  no  choice,  I  agree." 

"  Countess,  as  you  will,  when  your  expedition  suc- 
ceeds, make  generous  amends  for  the  present  un- 
graciousness of  your  acceptance,  I  am  content  to  wait 
for  commendation  until  then.  Conrad,  give  me  the 
F  v'ord.  Hilda,  sit  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and 
Conrad  will  fling  his  cloak  about  your  shoulders. 
Countess,  m.y  cloak  will  form  but  an  inefficient  carpet, 
still  'tis  better  than  naught.  Lay  your  head  in  Hilda's 
lap,  and  your  own  cloalc  shall  be  your  coverlet.  So. 
Now  to  sleep.     Conrad,  strike  out  for  mid-stream." 

Propelled  by  the  sturdy  strokes  of  both,  the  boat 
shot  out  from  under  cover  of  the  land  and    re-cuip- 


^ggHsraKMiWeg'}^^ 


to 


THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  COUNTESS.       ']^ 

menced  its  rapid  voyage  down  the  river.  Now  and 
then  a  sleeping  village  was  passed,  and  once  disaster 
was  narrowly  averted  when  Conrad's  quick  eye  recog- 
nised the  floating  logs  which  upheld  the  linked  loops 
of  chain  that  stretched  across  the  river  below  a  robber 
castle. 

This  obstruction  was  intended  to  stop  boats  of 
deeper  draught  than  the  light  skiff,  and  compel  their 
owners  to  pay  reluctant  tribute  to  th'>  lord  of  the 
castle.  The  skiff  passed  midway  between  two  of  the 
logs  and  floated  over  the  submerged  cha?n  in  safety. 

The  banks  on  either  hand  were  high  .  ^"iiost  moun- 
tainous, and  those  on  the  northern  side  were  clothed 
with  vines  nearly  to  the  summit. 

The  moon  sank  behind  the  hills  and  for  a  time  the 
darkness  was  intense,  rendering  navigation  a  matter 
of  some  skill  and  alertness,  not  without  a  spice  of 
danger.  Both  the  Countess  and  Hilda  slept  peace- 
fully and  neither  man  spoke.  Only  an  infrequent 
plash  of  paddle,  or  the  lonely  cry  of  a  disturbed  water- 
fowl, or  night-bird,  broke  the  stillness. 

At  last  the  short  summer  night  gave  token  of  end- 
ing. The  lightening  surface  of  the  water  first  heralded 
the  approach  of  dawn,  then  the  stars  began  to  dim 
over  the  eastern  hills,  and  a  faint,  ever-spreading  sug- 
gestion of  grey  crept  up  the  sky  beyond. 

Rodolph  ventured  on  a  sigh  of  relief  and  weariness 
as  the  light  increased  and  the  difficulties  of  the  task 
lessened,  but  he  soon  saw  they  were  merely  exchang- 
ing danger  of  one  kind  for  danger  of  another,  as  an 
early  man-at-arms  on  the  right  bank  espying  him, 
loudly  commanded  them  to  draw  in  and  explain  them- 
selves, which  command,  being  unheeded,  he  forthwith 
planted  stake  in  ground,  strung  his  cross-bow  and 
launched  a  bolt  at  them  in  such  hurry  that  it  fell  use- 
lessly short  and  was  a  good  bolt  lost.  By  the  time 
the  second  was  ready,  the  skiff  and  its  occupants  were 
hopelessly  out  of  range. 

13ut   the  cry  of   the  challenger  had  awakened    the 


'■■m 


U 


■■laaiiiiMiiiiiiBi  iiiM  III 


78 


TEKLA. 


,'  li'i 


SI 


IM 


m 


\'i\ 


II- 


Countess,  who  sat  up  to  see  the  red  rim  of  the  sun 
breaking  out  above  the  hills  and  flooding  the  valley 
with  golden  light.  .  ^ 

"  Are  we  nearly  there  ?  "  she  asked. 

**  I  think  not,"  answered  Rodolph.  "  In  truth,  I 
know  not  where  we  are.  Is  it  still  far  to  Thuron, 
Conrad  ?  " 

"  We  are  not  yet  half-way.  It  is,  I  judge,  but  seven 
hours  since  we  left  Treves,  and  if,  with  this  current 
and  our  own  work,  we  have  sped  two  leagues  an  hour 
we  have  done  well.  That  gives  us  fourteen  leagues 
accomplished.  From  Treves  to  Thuron  is  somewhere 
about  thirty-four  leagues,  so  there  must  be  twenty 
at  least  before  us. 

The  Countess  gave  a  cry  of  despair.  "  Is  it  then  so 
far?  I  thought  we  would  reach  the  castle  by  day- 
break. Have  we  passed  the  Archbishop's  palace  at 
Cochem  ?  " 

"  No,  my  lady.  Cochem  is  but  six  short  leagues 
from  Thuron." 

"  Is  it  your  wish,  madame,  to  stop  at  Cochem  ?  " 
asked  Rodolph. 

"  Oh  no,  no.  Anywhere  but  there.  I  am  well 
known  to  all  about  the  palace." 

"  But  none  would  have  the  right  to  detain  you." 

"Not  the  right  perhaps,  but  the  power.  To  see  me 
travel  thus,  without  fitting  escort,  would  be  sure  to 
arouse  suspicion,  and  the  custodian  of  the  palace 
might  well  take  it  upon  himself  to  hold  me  there  until 
he  knew  the  Archbishop's  pleasure." 

"  We  must  have  food.  Conrad,  know  you  of  any 
inn  further  on  ?  " 

"  There  are  no  inns  along  the  Moselle  except  at 
Bruttig  and  Cochem  ;  I  think  there  is  a  house  at 
each  place  where  soldiers  drink  and  boatmen  eat  and 
lodge." 

"  How  fai  is  Bruttig  from  here?  " 

"  About  ten  leagues,  my  Lord." 

**  That  is  five  hours  at  this  going.  What  soldi  :rs 
are  at  Bruttig?" 


THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  COUNTESS.       79 


"  The  followers  of  Count  Winneburg,  those  of  the 
Count  of  Beilstein,  and  soldiers  of  the  Archbishop." 

"  If  the  Archbishop's  soldiers  are  there  I  beg  that 
you  will  not  stop,"  said  the  Countess. 

**  I  am  not  sure  but  protection  lies  in  the  very  fact 
that  they  are  there.  Your  flight,  in  all  likelihood,  has 
not  yet  been  discovered  in  Treves;  we  have  many 
hours  the  start  of  pursuit,  and  are  not  likely  to  be 
overtaken.  Still  we  shall  not  stop  there,  if  food  can 
be  procured  elsewhere." 

When  the  sun  was  two  hours  high,  they  drew  in  at 
a  village  on  the  northern  bank,  nestling  at  the  foot  of 
the  vineyard-covered  hill.  Here  they  rested  for  an 
hour  and  broke  their  fast  in  a  fashion.  Nothing  but 
the  coarsest  of  black  bread  could  be  obtained,  with 
some  flagons  of  inferior  white  wine.  The  river  was 
now  broader  and  the  current  less  swift,  so  that  pro- 
gress was  more  slow  than  had  been  the  case  during 
the  night.  In  addition,  they  had  frequently  to  creep 
close  to  the  bank  on  one  side  or  the  other  to  escape 
observation,  and  this  delayed  them.  Consequently  the 
sun  was  well  past  meridian  when  Bruttig,  with  the 
Castle  above  it  came  into  sight,  and  all  in  the  boat 
were  ravenously  hungry. 

"  We  will  halt  here  and  dine,"  said  Rodolph.  "  I 
think  there  is  nothing  to  fear.  I  have  a  passport,  and 
I  am  a  merchant  from  Frankfort,  journeying  from 
Treves  to  Coblentz.  You,  madame,  are  my — my  sis- 
ter, and  these  two  are  our  servants.  It  is  well  to 
remember  this  if  we  are  questioned  separately.  You, 
Conrad,  will  wait  by  the  boat,  and  I  will  have  food 
and  wine  sent  to  you.  Countess,  I  shall  escort  you  to 
the  inn  and  Hilda  will  wait  upon  you,  Much  depends 
on  acting  naturally  and  showing  no  anxiety." 

The  Countess  made  no  objection  to  this  arrange- 
ment, and  Conrad,  with  a  stroke  of  his  paddle,  turned 
his  boat  towards  the  sloping  beach  that  ran  along  the 
river  in  front  of  the  little  town. 


i:il 


'lilij 


'llW 


li!i 


!  I 

I  I  m 

1     It'   .III :,:;■' 


I 


. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD. 

Bruttig  consisted  of  a  row  of  houses  facing  the 
river,  some  few  hundred  feet  back  from  it.  In  the 
centre  of  the  row,  near  the  landing,  which  was  rudely 
paved  with  round  stones,  stood  the  inn,  a  sufficiently 
forbidding-looking  square  structure,  with  an  arched 
gateway  in  front,  apparently  leading  to  a  courtyard. 
The  gates  could  be  closed  at  night,  and  doubtless 
were,  so  that,  in  a  way,  the  inn  might  be  successfully 
defended  from  assault  should  necessity  arise,  as  was 
often  the  case  in  those  troublous  times. 

The  bewildering  mixed  jurisdiction  of  the  place, 
governed  as  it  was  by  no  less  than  three  over-lords, 
the  Count  of  Winneburg,  the  Archbishop  of  Treves, 
and  the  Count  of  Beilstein,  was  shown  by  the  different 
uniforms  of  the  men-at-arms  who  now,  in  groups  or 
singly,  watched  the  landing  of  the  party  from  the  skiff. 

The  three  Captains,  who  represented  the  three  over- 
lords of  Bruttig,  were  lounging  round  the  doorway 
of  the  inn,  watching  the  landing  of  the  mysterious 
boatload.  Such  a  frail  craft  coming  down  the  Moselle 
was  an  unusual  sight,  and  naturally  attracted  the  at- 
tention of  the  three  officers,  who  were,  as  a  rule,  excel- 
lent friends,  except  when  a  fight  was  in  progress,  and 
some  question  of  jurisdiction  came  up  that  had  to  be 
argued  on  the  spot  with  two-handed  swords.  They 
referred  to  each  other  by  the  titles  of  their  chiefs, 
each  man,  being  spoken  to  by  his  comrades  as  the 
Archbishop,  Beilstein,  or  Winneburg. 

"  What  have  we  here.  Elector  ?  "  asked  the  Captain 
who  commanded  the  forces  of  Count  Winneburg. 


awmmn      "' 


THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD.  8i 

"That  is  for  our  comrade  Beilstein  to  answer; 
this  motley  crew  belongs  to  him.  You  had  the  last 
boat-load  to  exact  tribute  from,  and  I  the  one  before. 
I  am  glad  that  it  falls  upon  Beilstein  to  deal  with  wo- 
men, for  such  traffic  befits  not  the  Church,"  replied 
the  Captain  of  Treves.  The  Captain  of  Beilstein,  a 
tall,  powerful,  swarthy  man  in  full  armour,  twirled  his 
black  moustache,  which  spread  across  his  cheeks  like 
a  pair  of  ravens'  wings,  and  gazed  down  at  the  landing 
party. 

"  There  is  this  to  be  said,  they  give  us  little  trouble 
in  bringing  them  ashore,  but  are,  apparently,  about  to 
walk  confidently  into  the  lion's  mouth,"  remarked 
Beilstein,  *'  which  seems  to  argue  that  they  are  water- 
fowl, little  worth  the  plucking." 

*'  Rather  that  they  know  not  whither  they  are 
bound,"  suggested  the  Elector.  "  The  young  spark 
hands  my  lady  from  the  boat  with  something  of  an 
air  about  him  that  was  not  caught  in  t'-ading  booths, 
and  the  girl  stepped  daintily  out  upon  the  cobbles  in  a 
manner  that  suggests  the  Court.  If  she  improves  on 
closer  inspection,  Beilstein,  you  are  in  luck.  Would 
there  were  three  women  instead  of  two." 

"  They  are  sufficient  as  it  is,"  said  Winneburg,  with 
a  chuckle,  "  for  the  Church  has  just  disclaimed  all 
desire  for  such  merchandise." 

**  Ho,  within  there.  Host,"  cried  Beilstein,  through 
the  gateway.  "  Here  comes  gentle  custom  for  thine 
inn,  and  you  are  not  by  to  welcome  it." 

In  response  to  his  call  a  short  burly  sullen-looking 
man,  with  bullet  head,  came  out  and  stood  under  the 
arch,  looking  at  the  group  ascending  from  the  river, 
but  as  there  was  little  pleasure  in  his  gaze  he  probably 
expected  small  profit  from  their  approach. 

Rodolph  cast  a  rapid  glance  at  the  four  men,  bowed 
slightly  to  the  three  officers,  who  took  no  notice  of  his 
salutation,  and  addressing  the  host,  said : 

'*  This  lady  desires  a  room  where  she  may  rest  un- 
molested after  her  journey.     Let  such  refreshment  as 


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82 


TEKLA. 


11^  i' 


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!! 


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you  have  be  instantly  prepared.  The  lady  will  lunch 
in  her  room,  and  I  will  eat  wherever  pleases  you. 
Send  as  speedily  as  possible,  food  and  wine  to  my  ser- 
vant, who  remains  with  my  boat  by  the  landing." 

The  host  made  no  reply,  but  turned  his  lowering 
look  upon  the  officers,  as  if  waiting  for  word  from  one 
or  all  of  them. 

"  You  hear  his  Lordship's  commands,  I  hope,"  roared 
Beilstein,  "  the  best  in  the  house  for  the  lady  and 
that  without  delay.  The  gentleman  will  doubtless 
wish  to  remain  here  and  make  the  acquaintance  of 
three  good  fellows." 

The  innkeeper,  telling  the  Countess  briefly  to  follow 
him,  led  the  way  within.  Rodolph  was  about  to 
enter  the  court-yard,  when  the  stalwart  Captain 
blocked  his  way,  standing  with  feet  set  wide  apart  be- 
fore him. 

"  Friend,"  began  the  Captain,  genially,  "  we  fall 
on  turbulent  times,  when  each  man  is  suspicious  of 
his  neighbour.  You  have  little  objection,  doubtless, 
to  inform  us  who  you  are  and  why  you  travel." 

"  None  at  all,"  replied  Rodolph.  "  I  am  a  merchant 
of  Frankfort ;  I  journeyed  to  Treves,  transacted  there 
my  business  and  am  now  returning  to  Frankfort  by 
way  of  Coblentz." 

"  And  the  lady  ?  " 

"  The  lady  is  my  sister.  The  two  with  us  are  our 
servants." 

"  You  have  little  room  in  your  craft  for  merchan- 

d»     »» 
ise. 

"  We  came  to  Treves  on  horseback  by  the  Roman 
road,  the  merchandise  carried  by  mules.  It  is  now 
sold  and  thus  I  return  empty-handed." 

**  Not  entirely  empty-handed,  I  trust,  for  you  must 
have  received  something  by  way  of  honest  recompense 
for  honest  merchandise.  If  you  sent  your  gold  back 
to  Frankfort  by  the  way  the  goods  came,  and  now 
journey  down'the  Moselle  with  barely  enough  to  pay 
the  innkeeper  here  for  what  you  have  of  him,  that,  I 


THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD.   S^ 


fear,  will  be  looked  on  by  the  virtuous  barons  as  a 
slight  upon  their  probity,  and  some  may  hold  you  to 
ransom  merely  to  show  all  future  travellers  that  the 
noble  river  is  not  to  be  thus  lightly  dealt  with.  But, 
as  I  before  proclaimed  to  you,  we  live  in  a  suspicious 
time,  and  you,  probably  do  not  expect  your  bare  word 
to  be  taken  regarding  your  quality.  I  need  hardly 
ask  you  if  there  is  in  your  possession  some  slight 
document  having  reference  to  your  occupation." 

"  I  have  a  passport,  which  I  shall  be  pleased  to  ex- 
hibit on  being  assured  of  the  right  of  any  questioner 
to  demand  it." 

"  I  am  Captain  of  the  forces  here,  stationed  to  serve 
my  Lord,  the  Count  of  Beilstein,  one  of  the  three  over- 
lords of  Bruttig.  By  consent  of  my  two  colleagues 
of  Treves  and  Winneburg  I  am  Captain  of  the  Day, 
responsible  to  my  master  and  to  them  that  no  traitors 
come  within  our  precincts.  If  further  warrant  of  my 
right  to  question  is  required,  then  my  good  two-handed 
sword  stands  sponsor  to  me,  dealing  forth  argument 
that  few  care  to  controvert.  Is  it  your  pleasure  that 
I  call  upon  it  to  set  any  doubts  at  rest  concerning  my 
authority?  " 

"Not  so.  The  word  of  an  ofificer  is  at  all  times 
sufficient  for  me.  I  merely  desired  to  know  to  whom 
I  should  have  the  honour  of  submitting  this  document 
for  inspection,"  saying  which  Rodolph  handed  to  the 
officer  his  passport,  although  it  was  evident  a  moment 
later  that  the  worthy  man,  brave  soldier  as  he  might 
be,  could  not  read  it.  He  turned  it  over  and  over  in 
his  hand,  then  glanced  at  the  Captain  of  the  Elector, 
who  watched  him  with  a  smile. 

"  This  seems  in  proper  form,"  said  Beilstein,  shrug- 
ging his  shoulders,  **  but  you  soldiers  of  the  Church 
are  on  terms  of  acquaintance  with  these  characters, 
which  are  denied  to  us  who  are  more  practised  at 
arms  than  with  the  pen.  Construe  for  us  the  sheet, 
Elector."  The  Captain  of  the  Elector  took  the  parch- 
ment and  cast  his  eye  over  it. 


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84 


TEKLA. 


"  There  is  nothing  here  of  a  sister,  merchant,"  he 
said,  looking  at  Rodolph. 

•*  It  is  not  customary  in  Frankfort,"  replied  Ro- 
dolph, "  to  take  much  account  of  our  women.  They 
come  and  go  as  they  please,  providing  they  are  accom- 
panied by  a  relative  or  guardian  who  possesses  a  pro- 
per passport." 

"  Frankfort  customs  hold  not  on  the  banks  of  the 
Moselle,"  said  Beilstein,  menacingly. 

"  Did  your  sister  enter  and  leave  Treves  under  this 
passport?"  asked  the  Elector. 

"Freely." 

"Unquestioned?" 

"  Absolutely  unquestioned." 

"  Did  the  Archbishop  know  of  her  presence  ?  " 

"She  had  the  honour  of  appearing  at  the  Arch- 
bishop's Court." 

"  Hum !  "  ejaculated  the  Captain  of  the  Elector, 
doubtingly,  lowering  at  the  polite  stranger  suspiciously 
from  under  his  bushy  eyebrows.  "  The  manners  of 
his  Lordship's  Court  must  have  changed  since  I  knew 
aught  of  them,  if  Arnold  \'on  Isenberg  invites  Frank- 
fort merchants  to  his  circle." 

"  We  have  the  privilege  of  being  vouched  for  by 
Baron  Siegfried  von  Brunfels,  now  in  Treves.  I  may 
also  add  that  although  I  engage  in  traffic,  there  is  no 
plebeian  blood  in  my  veins." 

The  Elector's  Captain  handed  the  passport  back  to 
Beilstein,  saying  in  an  undertone,  "  I  should  noc  med- 
dle with  these  people  were  I  in  your  stead.  *Tis 
likely  what  he  says  may  be  true." 

"  And  what  is  that  to  me?  "  cried  Beilstein, angrily. 
"  Bruttig  is  not  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Arnold  von 
Isenberg  alone,  nor  will  Winneburg  or  Beilstein  suffer 
sole  jurisdiction  to  be  claimed  by  him  under  any  pre- 
tence whatever.     Speak  I  not  true,  Winneburg?  " 

"  Aye,"  agreed  Winneburg's  Captain  cordially,  "  and 
this  party  falls  to  you  by  fair  agreement  previously 
made." 


THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD.   85 

"I  have  put  forward  no  claim  to  special  jurisdic- 
tion," said  the  Elector.  **  I  gave  a  hint  to  a  friend 
that  it  is  ill  meddling  with  any  pet  of  the  Lion  of 
Treves.  You  may  act  on  it  or  not,  as  pleases  you. 
I  shall  not  interfere  unless  the  merchant  here  brings 
me  written  message  from  Arnold  von  Isenberg.  Have 
you  any  such,  sir  ?  If  so,  give  it  to  me  before  mis- 
takes are  made." 

The  trend  of  the  discussion  showed  Rodolph  that 
he  was  in  danger  of  some  kind,  which  might  require 
all  his  craft  to  avoid,  for  if  it  came  to  blows  he  stood 
no  chance  whatever.  He  also  realised  that  hope  lay 
in  winning  to  his  side  the  good  will  of  the  Archbishop's 
Captain,  and,  if  possible,  in  gaining  some  assurance  of 
the  neutrality  of  Winneburg's  man.  He  imagined, 
however,  that  he  saw  a  disposition  on  the  part  of  the 
two  local  authorities  to  stand  together  against  the 
Archbishop,  and  a  reluctance  on  the  part  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's delegate  to  force  matters  to  an  issue.  It  was, 
all  in  all,  a  most  difficult  position. 

"  I  have  a  message  from  the  Archbishop  to  you,  but 
it  will  please  him  better  if  I  am  not  compelled  to  de- 
liver it.  We  are  peaceful  travellers  in  his  lordship's 
domains,  and  have  a  right  to  pass  on  our  way  without 
hindrance." 

The  surly  host  at  this  moment  came  out  and  an- 
nounced that  the  meal  was  prepared.  A  lad  passed 
through  with  a  loaf  and  a  measure  of  wine  for  Conrad. 
Rodolph,  bowing  to  the  three  officers,  followed  the 
host. 

"  What  do  you  propose  to  do  ?  "  asked  Winneburg. 

"  I  can  tell  you  better  when  I  have  had  a  glimpse  of 
the  maiden.  If  she  suits  my  fancy  I  shall  have  a 
broadsword  bout  with  the  brother,  by  way  of  intro- 
ducing myself  amicably  to  the  family." 

•*  Not  the  best  method,  perhaps,  of  commending 
yourself  to  the  lady,  whether  victor  or  vanquished." 

"  The  strong  hand,  Winneburg,  is  ever  the  surest, 
whether  it  grasps  girl  or  gold."  ' 


86 


TEKLA. 


The  officer  of  the  Archbishop  remained  silent,  while 
the  other  two  discussed  the  question.  Something  in 
the  manner  of  Rodolph  impressed  hirn  with  the  belief 
that  the  young  man  spoke  as  one  having  authority, 
and  he  knew  that  if  a  mistake  were  made,  ArncM  von 
Isenberg  w'..s  one  to  punish  first  and  weigh  excuses 
after.  He  knew  that  if  he  opposed  Beilstein,  or  even 
tendered  advice,  the  obstinate  officer  would  the  more 
surely  persist  in  whatever  course  he  had  marked  out 
for  himself,  so  he  resolved  to  maintain  silence  and 
keep  a  watchful  eye,  governing  his  actions  by  what- 
ever might  befall.  With  a  scarcely  perceptible  signal 
to  his  lieutenant,  he  conveyed  a  message  to  him  that 
seemed  to  be  instantly  understood,  for  the  subordinate 
at  once  set  himself  quietly  to  the  gathering  of  his  men, 
who  grouped  themselves  round  in  an  apparently  casual 
manner,  and  remained  within  call. 

While  Beilstein  and  Winneburg  were  conversing 
Rodolph  reappeared,  with  the  Countess  and  her  maid 
accompanying  him.  The  sun  had  already  begun  to 
decline  far  in  the  west,  and  the  cloudless  sky  gave 
promise  of  a  fine  summer  evening.  Beilstein  strode 
forward. 

"  I  have  questioned  your  brother,  my  girl,"  he  said, 
"  and  now,  by  your  leave,  I  would  have  a  word  or  two 
with  you.  But  first  draw  aside  your  veil  that  we  may 
all  see  whom  we  have  had  the  pleasure  of  entertaining 
in  our  poor  town  of  Bruttig." 

The  Countess  shrank  timidly  from  him  without 
speaking,  and  Rodolph  at  once  stepped  between  her 
and  the  officer. 

"  Sir,"  he  said,  gravely,  "  I  have  answered  all  your 
questions  fairly  and  fully.  If  you  have  more  to  ask, 
propound  them,  I  beg  of  you,  to  me,  and  I  shall  again 
reply  until  you  are  satisfied." 

"  Merchant,"  cried  the  officer,  working  himself  into 
an  anger,  "your  passport  makes  no  mention  of  this 
lady.  1  must  therefore  look  upon  her  face  and  judge 
if  there  is  any  sisterly  likeness  that  may  give  colour  of 


A  I 


THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD.   87 


truth  to  your  words.  Madame,  remove  your  veil,  and 
put  me  not  to  the  disagreeable  duty  of  tearing  it  from 
your  face." 

"  U  it  possible,  gentlemen,  "  said  Rodolph  to  the 
other  two,  "  that  a  lady  is  to  be  thus  insulted  in  your 
presence,  and  am  I  to  take  it  that  we  can  look  for  no 
protection  from  you  ?  " 

"  It  is  none  of  my  affair,"  said  Winneburg,  im- 
partially. 

"  I  can  act  only  on  the  written  authority  of  the 
Archbishop  or  on  the  spoken  word  of  a  superior  of- 
ficer, whom  I  personally  know,"  replied  the  Arch- 
bishop's man,  with  a  keen  glance  at  Rodolph,  which 
said  as  plainly  as  words,  "If  you  have  such  authority, 
in  God's  name,  produce  it." 

Rodolph,  turning  to  the  Countess,  whispered,  "  Slip 
away  to  the  boat  while  I  hold  this  fellow  in  check. 
Get  in  and  tell  Conrad  to  push  out  into  mid-stream. 
Float  down  the  river  and  if  I  do  not  overtake  you 
along  the  bank,  hurry  on  alone  to  your  journey's  end." 

"  Sir,"  he  said  to  the  officer,  "  if  you  do  not  wish 
your  own  master  to  curse  your  interference,  you  will 
allow  me  to  go  my  way  without  further  question." 

"  Then  you  shall  explain  to  my  master  who  you  are. 
Come  back  !  "  he  cried  to  the  Countess,  who  was  hur- 
rying down  the  slope,  and  he  would  have  followed 
after  her,  but  Rodolph,  whipping  out  his  slender  rapier, 
stood  squarely  in  the  way. 

"  Ho,  there,  men  of  Beilstein  !  "  shouted  the  officer, 
"  stop  those  women.  Tie  me  up  that  fellow  at  the 
boat,  and  cast  the  boat  adrift.  Now  my  fine  merchant 
you  have  at  last  found  your  toy  weapon.  Is  it  your 
purpose  to  stand  against  me  with  that  shivering  reed  ?  " 

"  I  will  do  my  best,  if  you  insist  on  an  encounter, 
which  I  beg  of  you  and  your  comrades  to  note  I  have 
tried  my  utmost  to  avoid.  But  in  fairness  allow  ry 
sister  to  go,  and  wreak  your  vengeance  on  me  alone. 
When  did  you  men  of  the  Moselle  begin  to  war  on 
women  ?  " 


88 


TEKLA. 


"  The  woman  shall  be  the  prize  of  the  contest,"  said 
the  officer,  confidently. 

/  The  other  two  looked  on  in  amazement.  The 
rapier  was  entirely  unknown  throughout  Germany  and 
had  only  recently  come  into  use  in  Italy,  where  Ro- 
dolph,  dwelling  as  he  did,  on  the  borders  of  that  coun- 
try, had  learned  its  deadly  use.  The  giant  swung  his 
two-handed  sword  once  or  twice  round  his  head,  and 
in  a  loud  voice  asked  his  antagonist  if  he  were  ready. 
Rodolph  answered  nothing,  but  threw  away  his  cloak, 
which  he  would  have  used  as  an  article  of  defence  had 
he  been  opposed  to  one  similarly  armed  to  himself, 
knowing  that  in  this  encounter  he  must  depend  on  his 
agility  for  his  safety,  and  to  the  cumbrous  nature  of 
his  opponent's  blade,  for  his  chance  of  attack.  The 
battle  was  over  almost  before  the  spectators  knew  it 
had  begun.  Beilstein  brought  down  an  overhead  swirl 
of  his  heavy  blade  which  would  assuredly  have  anni* 
hilated  any  living  thing  it  encountered,  but  Rodolph 
sprang  nimbly  aside  and  when  the  blade  struck  the 
earth  he  darted  sharply  forward,  thrusting  the  thin 
rapier  through  the  officer's  neck,  the  only  unprotected 
vital  part  of  his  body,  springing  back  again  out  of  arm's 
length  in  an  mstant.  The  giant  strove  to  raise  his 
blade,  but  the  effort  caused  a  red  jet  of  blood  to  leap 
from  his  throat,  and  spatter  down  upon  his  breast-plate. 
Rodolph  stood  apart,  braced  and  alert,  the  sting  of 
death  held  tense  in  his  hand,  showing  not  a  trace  of 
blood  on  its  shining,  needle-like  length.  No  groan 
escaped  the  Captain,  but  a  pallour  overspread  his 
swarthy  face ;  he  swayed  to  and  fro  like  a  tottering 
oak,  apparently  upheld  by  his  huge  sword,  the  point 
of  which  he  had  been  unable  to  extricate  from  the 
earth.  Then  he  suddenly  collapsed,  and  came,  with  a 
clash  of  armour,  to  the  ground. 

The  horrified  lieutenant  of  Beilstein,  seeing  his  mas- 
ter thus  unaccountably  slain,  at  once  raised  the  cry  of 
"Beilstein." 

"  Up !  men  of  Beilstein  !  "  he  roared.    *'  Your  master 


THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD.    89 

is   murdered.     Surround  his  assassin  and   take  him, 
dead  or  alive,  to  the  castle.     Beilstein !  Beilstein  ! " 

"  I  ask  your  protection,  gentlemen,"  appealed  Ro- 
dolph,  turning  to  the  remaining  officers.  "  I  claim  ad- 
herence to  the  rule  of  the  combat.  I  fought  reluct- 
antly, and  only  by  compulsion.  I  demand  the  right 
to  go  without  further  opposition." 

"  Beilstein  !  Beilstein  !  Beilstein  ! "  The  cry  re- 
echoed through  the  town  and  soldiers  came  running 
from  all  quarters  with  weapons  drawn. 

"He  speaks  truth,"  said  the  Elector's  man.  "He 
has  won  his  liberty,  and  may  go  for  all  I  care." 

"  Not  so,"  cried  Winneburg.  "  It  was  no  fair  con- 
test, but  devil's  swordsplay.  To  the  castle  with  him 
and  his  brood." 

The  angry  soldiery  now  pressed  round  Rodolph, 
but  took  good  care  to  keep  out  of  the  reach  of  his 
flashing  weapon. 

"  Get  a  pike,"  said  one ;  "  that  will  outreach  him." 

"  Pikes,  lances,  pikes !  "  ran  from  mouth  to  mouth. 
Rodolph  saw  he  must  speedily  be  overpowered,  and  a 
scream  from  the  affrighted  women  in  the  hands  of  the 
soldiery  decided  him  to  try  a  desperate  remedy  for  a 
desperate  case. 

He  sprang  upon  the  prostrate  body  of  his  foe,  and 
towering  over  the  heads  of  the  clamouring  throng, 
raised  his  sword  aloft  and  shouted,  "  The  Archbishop ! 
The  lady  is  the  Countess  Tekla,  ward  of  Arnold  von 
Isenburg,  insulted  by  these  Moselle  ruffians,  while 
you  cravens  stand  by  and  see  it  done.  Officer,  you 
have  already  nearly  compassed  your  own  damnation. 
Redeem  yourself  by  instantly  falling  to  the  rescue. 
Treves !  Treves  !  Is  there  an  Archbishop's  man  within 
hearing?    Treves!  Treves!  Treves!"      , 

The  Archbishop's  officer  at  once  gave  the  word, 
and  his  men,  beating  down  opposition,  formed  around 
Rodolph  and  the  Countess.  Winneburg  stood  unde- 
cided, and  before  he  made  up  his  mind,  the  fight  was 
over,  the  Be.  ;tein  ir en  being  demoralised  for  lack  of 
a  leader. 


f  I 


)  ( 


90 


TEKLA. 


"You  have  entangled  us  in  this  affair,"  said  the 
officer  to  Rodolph,  "  and  if  you  have  cried  the  Arch- 
bishop's name  unwarranted,  your  head  is  likely  to  rolb 
off  in  consequence.  I  have  seen  the  Countess  Tekla. 
Will  she,  therefore  unveil  so  that  I  may  be  sure  I 
have  not  been  deluded,  or  do  you  prefer  to  wait  until 
I  hear  from  his  Lordship?  ** 

Before  Rodolph  could  reply,  the  Countess  threw 
back  her  veil. 

"  I  am  indeed,  as  you  see,  the  Countess  Tekla,  ward 
of  the  Archbishop,"  she  said. 

"A  fine  watch  you  keep  on  the  Moselle,"  cried 
Rodolph,  with  simulated  indignation,  "when  the 
Countess  Tekla  cannot  journey  to  her  guardian's  Cas- 
tle of  Cochem  without  having  his  Lordship  insulted  in 
her  person  by  unmannerly  marauders  at  Bruttig, 
where  he  supposes  he  holds  through  you,  control 
and  safe-conduct  for  all  properly  authenticated  travel- 
lers !  " 

The  officer  bowed  low  to  the  Countess  and  to  Ro- 
dolph. 

"  I  crave  your  Lordship's  indulgence  and  forgive- 
ness. Had  you  but  given  me  the  slightest  hint  of  this 
I  would  have  protected  you." 

"  I  gave  you  all  the  hint  I  could,  but  you  paid  little 
heed  to  it." 

"  I  am  deeply  to  blame,  and  I  implore  your  inter- 
cession with  my  Lord  the  Archbishop.  I  will  myself, 
with  a  troop  of  horse,  instantly  escort  you  to  Cochem 
and  see  you  safely  bestowed  there." 

**  All  I  ask  of  you  is  to  secure  our  boat  and  let  us 
depart  as  we  came." 

"  Alas !  the  boat  is  gone,  and  is  now  most  likely 
half-way  to  Cochem.  Shall  I  order  you  accommoda- 
tion here  until  you  can  communicate  with  the  Arch- 
bishop ?  " 

"  No,  we  will  at  once  to  Cochem.     Have  you  horses 
for  the  Countess  and  myself  and  for  our  servants  ?  " 
Yes,  my  Lord." 


i< 


THE  RAPIER  AND  THE  BROADSWORD.  91 

"  Then  we  will  set  out  on  our  journey  as  soon  as 
they  are  ready." 

The  officer  saluted,  and  departed  to  give  his  orders. 

"  What  shall  we  do  ?  oh,  what  shall  we  do  ?  "  asked 
the  Countess,  wringing  her  hands. 

"  Do  not  be  afraid,"  said  Rodolph,  with  a  confi- 
dence he  did  not  himself  feel.  "  We  will  be  so  much 
the  further  from  Treves  and  so  much  the  nearer  to 
Thuron.  We  will  ride  side  by  side  to  Cochem,  and 
then  consult  on  what  is  best  >  o  be  done  when  we  get 
there.  Meanwhile,  keep  a  firm  command  of  your 
agitation,  and  do  not  show  fear.  The  officer  has  no 
suspicion,  and  will  do  whatever  I  ask  of  him.  They, 
perhaps,  do  not  know  yet  of  your  flight  at  Treves, 
and  even  if  they  did  they  cannot  get  here  much  be- 
fore this  time  to-morrow,  and  not  then  unless  they 
come  by  boat.  Have  no  fear ;  I  will,  as  I  promised, 
see  you  safe  in  Thuron  gate." 

The  Countess  impulsively  held  out  her  hand,  and 
gave  a  warm  pressure  to  the  one  extended  to  her. 

"  Forgive  me,"  she  whispered,  "  for  my  distrust  of 
you  last  night.    You  are  a  brave  and  true  soldier." 


CHAPTER  IX. 


A  PALATIAL  PRISON. 


e 
a1 
si 
e< 


The  Captain  presently  appeared  with  a  dozen 
mounted  men  at  his  back,  and  four  led  horses. 

"  I  hold  it  well,"  he  said  to  Rodolph,  "  to  get  as 
speedily  away  from  Bruttig  as  may  be.  The  lieu- 
tenant of  Count  Beilstein  has  gone  in  haste  to  the 
castle  to  tell  his  Highness  what  has  happened,  and  it 
was  not  within  my  right  to  detain  him.  The  Count 
will  be  beside  hiihself  with  rage  at  the  loss  of  his  Cap- 
tain, so  it  is  safer  that  you  lodge  within  Castle  Cochem 
as  soon  as  possible.  He  will  think  twice  before  he 
attacks  the  Archbishop's  stronghold.  Is  it  your  will 
that  I  send  a  messenger  to  Treves  to  acquaint  his 
Lordship  with  the  welfare  of  his  ward  ?  " 

"  That  is  not  necessary,"  replied  Rodolph.  "  The 
Archbishop  will  doubtless  prefer  to  hear  of  our  safe 
arrival  at  Cochern,  and  a  messenger  can  be  sent  from 
there.  Is  there  a  chance  that  we  may  be  intercepted 
by  the  forces  of  Count  Beilstein  ?  " 

"  No  interceptior  is  possible.  His  men  here  are 
without  a  leader,  and  will  attempt  nothing,  even  if 
they  were  able  to  accomplish  anything.  The  Count 
himself  will  likely  come  in  haste  to  Bruttig,  but  by 
that  time  we  shall  be  in  Cochem,  I  hope  and  although 
the  road  by  the  river  is  none  of  the  best,  it  is  as  bad 
for  him  as  for  us." 

"  Let  us  get  on,  then,"  said  Rodolph.  He  assisted 
the  Countess  to  mount,  sprang  into  his  own  saddle, 
and  felt  that  exhilaration  which  comes  to  a  horseman 
when  he  finds  a  spirited  steed  under  him. 

Four  of  the  cavalry  headed   the   procession,  with 


A  PALATIAL  PRISON. 


93 


eiglit  to  bring  up  the  rear,  the  Countess  and  her 
attendants  riding  between.  Rodolph  rode  by  the 
side  of  the  Countess,  with  Conrad  and  Hilda  out  of 
earshot  behind  them,  the  Captain  leading  the  four 
horsemen  in  front.  Their  rough  way  led  along  the 
right  bank  of  the  river. 

"  Nothing  has  been  heard  from  the  Archbishop,  I 
trust,"  said  the  Countess. 

"There  is  little  to  fear  from  him  until  late  to- 
morrow, and  not  even  then  unless  your  escape  was 
discovered  early  to-day — a  most  unlikely  event." 

"  But  might  not  the  pursuers  ride  all  night  ?  " 

"  A  difficult  and  hazardous  task  they  would  set 
themselves  in  passing  through  the  forest  in  the  dark, 
and  slow  work  even  if  successfully  accomplished." 

"  Then  we  need  have  no  apprehension  if  we  can  get 
clear  of  Cochem  before  the  pursuers  from  Treves 
arrive  at  Bruttig  ?  " 

"  Once  quit  of  Cochem,  pursuit  will  be  futile.  My 
plan  is  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out  for  the  drifting  boat. 
Conrad  will  secure  it  if  possible,  and  we  will  get  away 
from  Cochem  to-night,  if  we  can  leave  the  castle ;  but 
I  know  nothing  of  its  conformation,  nor  of  how  it  is 
guarded." 

The  Countess  shook  her  head.  "  I  am  afraid  it  will 
be  difficult  to  leave  Cochem  at  night,"  she  said. 
"  The  castle  is  always  well  and  strictly  guarded,  and 
occupies  an  almost  inaccessible  position  on  the  top  of 
a  hill." 

"  There  is  nothing  for  it  then  but  to  go  with  this 
escort  to  Cochem,  and  trust  to  Providence  and  our 
own  ingenuity  thereafter.  I  may  have  something  to 
suggest  when  I  have  seen  the  place." 

The  increasing  roughness  of  the  road  made  conver- 
sation more  and  more  difficult.  An  hour's  riding  and 
a  turn  in  the  river  brought  them  in  sight  of  the  grand 
castle  of  Cochem,  its  numerous  pinnacles  glittering  in 
the  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun.  It  was  another  hour 
before  the  cavalcade  arrived  opposite  the  place.    A 


94 


TEKLA. 


trumpeter  of  the  troop  blew  a  bugle  Wast  that  was 
echoed  back  from  the  rock-ribbed  conical  hill  on  which 
the  castle  stood.  The  signal  was  answered  by  anothei^ 
from  the  ramparts  of  the  fortification  itself,  and  pres- 
ently a  boat  put  out  from  the  foot  of  the  rock.  In 
this  boat  the  Countess  and  her  attendant  were  placed, 
while  those  on  horseback  set  their  steeds  to  the  swift 
current  and  landed  some  distance  below,  at  the  lower 
end  of  the  little  village  that  clustered  from  the  foot  of 
the  hill,  extending  down  the  valley.  The  Countess 
mounted  her  dripping  horse,  and  the  troop  rode  slowly 
up  a  winding  path  that  partly  encircled  the  vine-clad 
hill,  and  at  last  arrived  at  the  northern  gate,  which 
was  the  chief  entrance  to  the  castle.  Here,  after  a^ 
brief  parley,  the  portcullis  was  raised  and  the  party 
admitted  to  a  large  courtyard  that  hung  high  above 
the  Moselle,  overlooking  a  long  stretch  of  the  river  as 
it  flowed  toward  the  Rhine. 

The  custodian  of  the  castle  received  his  distin- 
guished guest  with  that  humble  deference  which  be- 
fitted her  lofty  station,  assisting  her  to  dismount  and 
evidently  entertaining  not  the  remotest  suspicion  that 
the  visit  was  unauthorised.  The  Countess  enacted 
her  part  well. 

"  I  commend  to  your  care,"  she  said,  imperiously, 

"  my    Lord    Rodolph,  who   has   conducted   me  from 

Treves.     Until   the  Archbishop   himself  arrives  you 

lare  to  hold  yourself  entirely  at  his  orders." 

•    The  custodian  bowed  low,  first  to  the  Countess  and 

then  to  Rodolph. 

"  How  soon  may  we  look  for  his  Highness  the 
Archbishop  ?  "  he  asked. 

"You  will  most  likely  hear  from  him  to-morrow. 
Is  my  suite  of  apartments  ready  ?  " 

"They  are  now  being  prepared  as  speedily  as 
possible ;  but  as  no  messenger  brought  us  word  of 
your  coming,  I  hope  your  Ladyship  will  pardon  the 
delay,"  answered  the  custodian,  with  some  trepida- 
tion. 


A  PALATIAL  PRISON. 


95 


The  Countess  made  no  reply,  but  with  her  whip 
beckoned  Rodolph  to  her  side. 

"  Do  the  troopers  remain  in  the  castle,  or  return  to 
Bruttig  to-night  ? '• 

"  I  have  told  their  oflficer  to  keep  them  here  until 
morning.  If  a  messenger  from  the  Archbishop  arrives 
at  Bruttig  sooner  than  we  look  for,  he  will  likely  re- 
main there  until  this  officer  returns.  The  Archbishop 
would  count  on  the  Captain  being  at  his  post,  and  it 
is  not  likely  that  the  messenger's  instructions  would 
run  further  than  Bruttig,  which  will  give  us  further 
time." 

"  Will  you  then  give  your  commands  to  the  custo- 
dian regarding  the  disposal  of  the  men  ?  I  think  he 
will  obey  you  ;  but  it  is  well  to  discover  this  by  b  • 
stowing  orders  first  fhii  are  unimportant,  before  we 
put  our  power  to  a  supreme  test." 

Rodolph  gave  directions,  which,  to  his  relief, 
were  instantly  obeyed.  The  custodian  escorted  Coun- 
tess Tekla  into  the  castle,  while  Rodolph  walked 
round  the  courtyard  to  get  some  idea  of  the  lay  of 
the  land  and  the  construction  of  the  fortifications. 
The  view  down  the  river  was  magnificent,  as  also  was 
the  outlook  up  the  Endertsbach  valley,  with  the  huge 
round  tower  of  Count  Winneburg's  castle  standing 
out  against  the  evening  sky,  built  on  a  hill  nearly 
equal  in  height  to  the  one  crowned  by  Schloss 
Cochem. 

Rodolph's  short  examination  of  the  castle's  posi- 
tion speedily  showed  him  that  it  was  a  place  difficult 
to  get  into  or  escape  from.  To  steal  away  at  night 
was  hardly  practicable,  unless  one  had  a  ladder  of 
ropes,  while  to  escape  by  day  was  equally  hopeless,  as 
a  fugitive  could  be  seen  for  miles  in  any  direction  un- 
til he  was  lost  in  the  forest. 

As  the  Emperor  stood  at  the  corner  of  tht  elevated 
terrace,  gazing  down  the  river,  he  became  aware  of 
some  one's  approach,  and  a  moment  later  the  deferen- 
tial voice  of  the  aged  custodian  broke  the  silence. 


I 


/   ( 


96 


>s       TEKLA. 


"  A  goodly  sight,  my  Lord,"  he  said,  "  and  although 
I  have  looked  at  it  for  many  a  year,  it  never  becomes 
less  lovely  to  my  eyes.  It  is  rarely  the  same,  varying 
with  every  change  in  the  atmosphere,  but  always 
beautiful." 

**  It  is  indeed  a  marvelous  view,  and  not  to  be  the 
less  enjoyed  because  your  position  up  here  is  well 
nigh  impregnable,"  answered  Rodolph. 

"Altogether  so,  I  think,"  replied  the  custodian, 
with  the  pride  of  an  old  retainer  in  his  castle  and  a  be- 
lief in  its  unassailableness,  the  result  of  many  futile 
assaults  he  had  seen.  "  Before  Cochem  falls  the  souls 
of  hundreds  of  its  assailants  will  seek  a  final  abiding 
place,  in  bliss  or  other  where,  as  God  wills." 

"  Does  the  road  we  came  by  from  Bruttig,  follow 
the  river  further  down  ?  " 

*•  No,  my  Lord,  it  ends  opposite  the  castle.  On  this 
side,  however,  there  is  a  path  that  follows  the  river 
from  village  to  village,  but  how  far  it  goes,  I  do  not 
know,  for  I  never  explored  it  to  the  end." 

"Are  there  many  castles  between  here  and  the 
Rhine?" 

"  Only  three  or  four,  some  standing  back  from  the 
river  in  the  valleys  that  run  into  the  Moselle.  The 
chief  castle  is  that  of  the  Black  Count,  robber  and 
marauder  that  he  is,  and  it  is  called  Thuron.  Were  it 
less  strong,  I  think  the  good  Archbishop  would  have 
smoked  him  out  long  ere  this.  Count  Heinrich  has  a 
chain  across  the  .iver,  stopping  all  honest  traffic  until 
tribute  is  paid,  and  if  there  is  any  cavilling  about  it, 
he  takes  the  whole  cargo  and  casts  the  merchant  into 
a  dungeon  to  teach  him  respect  for  the  nobility,  as 
he  says.  But  some  day  there  will  be  a  reckoning,  for 
Black  Heinrich,  while  compelling  due  respect  to  be 
paid  by  all  Inferiors,  is  himself  most  disdainful  to 
those  above  him." 

"  Flouts  he  the  Emperor,  then?** 

"Oh,  the  Emperor!"  said  the  custodian,  with  a 
shrug  of  his  shoulders,  that  might  have  been  held  con- 


A  PALATIAL  PRISON. 


97 


temptuous,  **  the  Emperor  is  but  a  name,  and  com- 
mands scant  respect  along  the  Moselle.  He  is  some 
young  man  recently  elected,  who  loves  better  the  dal- 
lying of  his  Court  than  the  risking  of  good  stout  blows 
in  the  field.  They  tell  me  he  comes  from  a  noble 
family  in  Switzerland,  and  is  not  of  Germany  at  all, 
and  1  warrant  the  Archbishop  does  not  wait  to  asi<  his 
leave  if  he  wishes  to  pull  down  a  castle  about  the  ears 
of  a  truculent  Baron. 

*•  Then  it  seems  to  me  our  friend,  the  Archbishop, 
may  be  accused  of  the  same  want  of  respect  for 
higher  authority  that  you  lay  at  the  door  of  Count 
Heinrich  the  Black." 

"The  worthy  Archbishop,  God  bless  him,  recognises 
no  over-lord  but  the  Pope  himself,  and  I  have  some- 
times doubted  whether  Arnold  von  Isenberg  paid 
very  much  attention  even  to  his  Holiness;  but  then  I 
am  letting  my  tongue  run  away  with  me,  and  am  talk- 
ing of  what  concerns  me  not." 

"  It  will  do  you  no  harm  as  long  as  I 
listener.  Does  Castle  Thuron  stand  on 
the  river  or  on  the  other  ?  " 

"  On  the  other.  It  crowns  a  hill  somewhat  similar 
to  this  and  as  high,  but  it  is  as  unlike  Cochem  as  one 
castle  can  be  unlike  another,  for  this  is  part  palace 
and  part  fortress,  while  Thuron  is  a  fortress  pure  and 
simple,  and  a  strong  one  at  that.  A  stout  wall  has 
been  built  from  the  castle  down  to  the  river,  and  it  is 
said  that  there  is  a  passage  within,  where  ten  men  can 
walk  abreast,  although  that  I  doubt.  There  is  cer- 
tainly a  passage  by  which  food  or  water  can  be  taken 
up  to  the  castle,  while  the  carriers  pass  unscathed, 
protected  by  strong  stone  walls." 

"  It  seems,  then,  that  the  first  duty  of  besiegers 
would  be  to  break  that  wall,  and  thus  cut  communica- 
tion between  the  castle  and  the  river." 

"  That  is  easy  to  suggest,  but  there  would  be  diffi- 
culty in  the  doing.  The  walls  are  stout  and  will 
stand  some  battering ;  then  the  two  great  round  towers 


I 


am  the  sole 
this  side  of 


i 


98 


TEKLA. 


of  the  castle  are  armed  with  catapults  which,  they 
say,  will  fling  round  stones  even  across  the  river  itself. 
Besides  this,  there  are  engines  along  the  wall  for  a 
similar  purpose.  The  attacking  party  would  have  to 
remove  solid  cemented  stone,  while  the  defenders 
would  merely  have  to  sweep  down  along  the  hillside 
unprotected  men  who  had  little  to  cling  to.  I  think  it 
is  no  secret  that  the  Archbishop  had  Thuron  exam- 
ined by  spies  with  a  view  to  its  capture,  but  they 
strongly  advised  him  to  leave  it  alone ;  safe  counsel, 
which  his  Lordship  followed." 

"  When  the  assault  takes  place  I  hope  we  shall  be 
there  to  see." 

"  Ah,"  said  the  ancient  keeper,  with  a  sigh  of  regret, 
"  I  fear  I  shall  have  no  such  pleasure,  for  I  grow  old 
and  Arnold  grows  cautious.  My  only  hope  comes 
from  Heinrich  himself,  for  he  is  like  enough  to  hurl 
some  insult  at  the  Archbishop  that  cannot  well  result 
in  anything  but  the  uprising  of  pikes ;  indeed,  he  once 
threatened  to  attack  Cochem  itself,  and  for  a  day  or 
two  we  had  merry  preparation,  but  he  thought  better 
of  it,  and  no  more  came  of  the  threat,  much  to  my  re- 
gret, for  I  should  have  liked  to  see  Heinrich  crack  his 
crown  against  Cochem.  And  now,  my  Lord,  if  you  will 
come  within,  you  will  find  a  meal  prepared,  for  which 
I  doubt  not  you  have  sufficient  appetite." 

The  young  man  and  the  old  entered  the  castle  to- 
gether. 


re 


CHAPTER  X. 


THE  INTERCEPTED   FUGITIVES.  * 

In  spite  of  his  anxiety,  Rodolph  slept  that  night 
with  a  soundness  that  carried  him,  unconscious,  fur- 
ther into  the  morning  than  he  had  intended  when  he 
lay  down.  It  had  been  his  purpose  to  rise  early,  and 
perfect  some  scheme  for  quitting  the  castle  without 
arousing  the  suspicions  of  its  inmates.  The  getting 
off,  he  knew,  must  be  accomplished  that  day,  and  as 
soon  as  possible  in  the  day,  for  undoubtedly  the  pur- 
suers of  the  Countess  must  now  be  well  down  the 
river. 

The  Emperor,  on  breakfasting,  learned  that  the 
Countess  had  been  up  long  before,  and  was  at  that 
moment  praying  in  the  chapel.  The  Captain  and  the 
escort  had  left  for  Bruttig,  and  when  Rodolph  went 
out  upon  the  terrace  he  saw  the  band  far  below,  climb- 
ing up  the  opposite  bank  on  dripping  horses,  rising 
from  the  clear  waters  like  spirits  of  the  river,  into  the 
thin  transparent  mist  that  floated  over  the  stream. 
The  morning  sun  was  gently  gathering  up  the  airy, 
white  coverlet  of  the  Moselle,  promising  a  clear  and 
brilliant  day.  The  troop  below,  seen  dimly  through 
the  intervening  haze,  had  formed  in  regular  order,  two 
and  two,  the  Captain  at  their  head,  with  the  Arch- 
bishop's pennant  flying  above  them,  and  were  now 
trotting  slowly  up  the  river  road. 

"  Always  beautiful,  and  never  the  same,  changing 
with  every  hour  of  the  day.  In  a  short  time  the 
slight  fog  will  have  lifted,  and  the  heightening  sun 
will  reveal  the  full  glory  of  the  view." 

Rodolph  turned  quickly  and  saw  standing  at  his 


100 


TEKLA. 


I 


' ' 

M    fc 


i     I 


elbow  the  old  custodian  of  the  place,  as  he  had  stood 
on  the  same  spot  the  evening  before. 

The  young  man  wondered  if  any  suspicion  of  the 
real  state  of  the  case  had  entered  the  custodian's 
mind ;  whether  his  cat-like  steps  and  unexpected 
appearances,  his  haunting  of  his  guest,  did  not  be- 
token some  distrust  that  all  was  not  as  it  should  be. 
The  custodian  had  likely  learned  from  the  Captain 
that  the  Countess  came  from  Treves  to  Bruttig  in  a 
small  boat,  practically  without  escort,  and  that  there 
was  trouble  before  the  identity  of  the  party  had  been 
disclosed.  On  the  other  hand  the  custodian  must 
know  that  the  Archbishop  often  adopted  a  course  of 
action,  the  object  of  which  was  known  to  none  but 
himself,  and  his  Lordship  had  small  patience  with  any 
underling  who  exhibited  inconvenient  curiosity  re- 
garding the  intentions  of  those  above  him.  Rodolph 
resolved  to  set  his  doubts  at  rest  by  a  practical  test. 

"  The  day,"  he  said,  "  indeed  promises  to  be  fine. 
To  a  man  of  action,  however,  the  precincts  of  the 
castle  are  somewhat  circumscribed,  and  the  marvellous 
view  makes  him  more  and  more  conscious  of  the 
limited  extent  of  this  most  charming  terrace.  Has 
the  Archbishop  some  good  horses  in  his  stables,  or 
does  he  keep  them  all  at  Treves?  " 

'*  His  Lordship  has  a  rare  fondness  for  a  choice  bit 
of  horse-flesh,  and  there  is  here  an  ample  variety. 
Does  your  Lordship  wish  to  ride  this  morning  ?  " 

"  Is  the  country  round  about  safe  ?  I  have  no  de- 
sire to  be  captured  and  thus  put  the  Archbishop  to  the 
trouble  of  knocking  down  some  castle  in  effecting  my 
rescue." 

"  The  district  is  reasonably  safe.  Perhaps  it  may  be 
well  not  to  venture  into  the  territory  of  the  Count  of 
Winneburg,  up  the  valley  of  Endertsbach  yonder,  but 
down  the  river  tliere  is  little  chance  of  molestation ; 
still,  I  can  provide  you  with  an  escort  that  will  most 
likely  leave  you  free  from  attack  wherever  you  go." 

**  NOi"  said  Rodolph.  with  unconcern.    "  It  is  not 


THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES.       loi 


worth  while  to  turn  out  a  guard,  besides  the    Arch- 
bishop himself  may  be  here  at  any  moment  and  I  think  , 
he  would  like  to  find  the  whole  garrison  ready  to  re- 
ceive him,  although  he  said  nothing  to  me  about  it." 

"  Yes,  Arnold  von  Isenberg  does  not  overlook  scant 
ceremony  when  he  takes  himself  abroad.  Would 
you  care  to  see  the  horses,  my  Lord  ?  " 

Rodolph  thanked  his  host  for  the  invitation,  ?nd 
together  they  went  to  the  stables,  where  he  selected 
four  horses,  and  directed  that  they  should  be  ac- 
coutred   for  riding,  two  for  women  and  two  for  men. 

•*  The  Countess,"  he  said,  to  the  custodian,  "  has 
been  accustomed  to  out-door  recreation,  and  is  an 
excellent  horsewoman.  I  am  sure  she  will  desire  to 
take  advantage  of  this  exhilarating  morning,  but  I 
shall  now  wait  upon  her  and  learn  her  wishes." 

To  the  Emperor's  relief,  the  custodian  remained 
behind  to  see  that  the  orders  were  promptly  carried 
out,  while  Rodolph  went  back  to  the  castle.  He 
sought  the  chapel,  which  was  reached  by  passing 
through  the  castle  and  crossing  another  courtyard 
looking  toward  the  west.  The  chapel  at  the  south- 
west angle  of  the  castle  seemed  to  hang  over  the 
river,  standing  as  it  did  on  a  projecting  rock,  whose 
straight  sides  formed  a  perpendicular  cliff,  rising  like 
a  castle  wall  from  the  deep  slope  of  the  hill.  The 
chapel  was  a  small  but  very  perfect  bit  of  ecclesias- 
tical architecture,  recently  built  by  Arnold  von  Isen- 
berg himself.  As  Rodolph  entered  the  vestabule  he 
was  met  by  the  Countess  hurrying  out. 

"  Oh,  my  Lord,  my  Lord,"  she  cried,  with  agitation 
in  her  voice,  "  the  troops  of  the  Archbishop  are  now 
coming  down  the  river.  I  have  seen  them  from  the 
window  within."  Rodolph  closed  the  door  of  the 
chapel  so  that  they  might  not  be  overheard. 

*•  I  think,"  he  said,  '*  that  the  men  you  saw  are 
those  who  left  us  this  morning.  They  are  the  troops 
of  the  Archbishop  indeed,  but  they  are  going  toward 
Bruttig." 


I02 


TEKLA. 


i 


"  No,  no.  Hilda  has  been  watching  them  for  a 
long  time,  while  I  prayed  before  the  altar.  Just  now 
she  told  me  she  saw  a  troop  meeting  those  who  es- 
corted us  hither.     Come  and  see." 

The  interior  of  the  chapel  was  in  dim-coloured 
obscurity,  all  the  windows  being  of  glass,  sombrely 
stained.  The  lower  part  of  one  window  looking  to 
the  south-west  opened  on  hinges,  and  there  Hilda 
stood  gazing  up  the  river.  For  a  long  distance  the 
Moselle  ran  straight  toward  them,  apparently  broaden- 
ing as  it  approached.  Far  away  Rodolph  saw  the 
two  troops  meet,  but  the  distance  was  too  great  for 
him  to  distinguish  whose  flag  flew  over  the  further 
party. 

"  It  may  be  that  they  are  retainers  of  Count  Beil- 
stein,"  said  the  Emperor.  "  If  it  should  so  chance, 
there  is  like  to  be  a  hostile  meeting.  If  they  belong 
to  the  Archbishop,  there  will  be  a  short  conference, 
then  all  will  probably  return  to  Cochem." 

As  he  spoke  the  approaching  troops  came  together 
and  it  was  soon  evident  that  they  had  no  hostile  in- 
tentions towards  each  other.  A  cry  from  the  Count- 
ess called  his  attention  to  the  fact  that  one  horseman 
was  hurrying  alone  toward  Bruttig,  and  that  all  the 
rest  were  riding  at  increased  speed  for  Cochem. 

"  There  are  four  horses  now  ready  in  the  courtyard. 
Countess,  I  beg  of  you  to  appear  calm  and  to  show 
no  haste  in  getting  away.  We  will  ride  slowly  to 
the  river  and  then  into  the  forest :  after  that  we  will 
make  what  speed  we  may  to  Thuron,  and  I  much 
doubt  if  those  who  follow  will  have  sight  of  us  before 
we  reach  the  castle." 

The  Countess  and  Hilda  went  to  their  apartments 
to  prepare  for  the  journey,  while  Rodolph  sought 
Conrad,  and  told  him  briefly  that  he  was  to  make 
ready  for  travel. 

The  four  horses  with  their  attendants  stood  in  the 
courtyard,  and  presently  the  Countess  appeared  com- 
ing leisurely  down  the  steps,  followed  by  Hilda.    The 


I 


THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES.       103 

ancient  custodian  busied  himself  in  seeing  that  every- 
thing was  to  the  liking  of  his  guests.  The  gates  were 
thrown  open,  and  the  portcullis  gradually  raised  with 
much  creaking  of  rusty  chain.  The  small  cavalcade 
rode  slowly  forth,  down  the  winding  way,  while 
the  old  guardian  of  the  castle  stood  watching  them  as 
they  descended. 

No  word  was  spoken  until  they  had  rounded  the 
hill  and  once  more  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  river. 
The  shoulder  of  the  promontory  on  the  opposite  side 
cut  off  their  view  of  the  Bruttig  road,  and  there  was,  as 
yet,  no  sign  of  the  oncoming  troop. 

**  Even  if  there  was  only  the  river  between  us," 
said  Rodolph.  reassuringly,  "  we  should  win  the  race, 
for  their  horses  are  tired,  and  ours  are  fresh  and  of  the 
best.  We  can  surely  ride  as  fast  as  they  along  a 
road  that  is  not  well  adapted  for  speed ;  the  good 
custodian  told  me  it  is  but  a  path,  and  he  seemed  un- 
certain how  far  even  that  extended.  Everything  is 
in  our  favour,  and  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  nothing  but 
a  few  leagues  of  forest  and  the  waters  of  this  river  are 
between  us  and  Thuron  gate." 

"  Is  the  castle,  then,  on  the  other  side  ?  "  asked  the 
Countess. 

"  Yes,  but  the  path,  such  as  it  is,  is  on  this,  and  I 
have  no  doubt  our  horses,  accustomed  to  the  river, 
will  make  little  of  swimming  across,  when  we  catch  a 
glimpse  of  the  two  round  towers  of  Thuron." 

"  I  can  scarcely  believe  that  we  have  come  so  easily 
forth  from  yon  stronghold,  for  last  night  my  heart 
sank  within  me  as  I  heard  the  clang  of  the  portcullis 
descending,  and  it  seemed  to  me  that  we  were  trapped 
beyond  hope  of  rescue." 

"  You  showed  little  fear,  Countess,  if,  indeed,  you 
felt  any,  which  from  your  words  and  manner  at  the 
time,  I  am  inclined  to  doubt." 

The  Countess  shook  her  head.  "  I  quaked  with 
fear,  nevertheless,"  she  said,  simply,  glancing  side- 
ways at  him. 


I04 


TEKLA. 


I 


El  I: 


Reaching  the  foot  of  the  hill  they  made  their  way, 
still  without  haste,  along  the  front  of  the  village, 
which  straggled  for  some  hundreds  of  yards  facing 
the  river.  A  short  distance  below  Cochem  the  cliffs 
projected  to  the  Moselle,  and  the  path  struggled  up 
the  hill  in  zig-zag  fashion,  finally  forming  a  narrow 
cornice  road  running  parallel  with  the  stream,  but 
high  above  it,  and  when  at  last  it  descended  to  a 
lower  level  Cochem  Castle  was  finally  shut  from  their 
view  as  they  looked  backward.  Rodolph,  who  was 
leading,  now  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  the  rest  of 
the  company  came  trotting  behind  as  best  they  could, 
Conrad  bringing  up  the  rear.  The  path  kept  mostly 
along  the  margin  of  the  stream,  frequently  diverging 
into  the  forest,  and  then  always  mounting  upwards,  to 
pass  some  obstacle  where  the  banks  were  steep  and 
the  waters  of  the  Moselle  lapped  the  face  of  the  rocks. 
On  every  height  Rodolph  paused  till  the  others  came 
up  with  him,  and  looked  anxiously  back  where  the 
trees  permitted  a  retrospect,  but  no  sign  of  pursuit 
was  ever  visible.  Thuron  Castle  stood  but  five  leagues 
from  Cochem,  and  between  the  two  places  the  river 
ran  nearly  in  a  direct  line,  forgetting  the  crooked 
eccentricities  that  had  marked  its  progress  further  up. 
The  roughness  of  the  path  and  its  numerous  diver- 
gencies from  the  level  made  it  difficult  for  the  riders 
to  accomplish  more  than  a  league  an  hour.  They 
had  been  four  hours  on  the  journey  when  Rodolph 
called  Conrad  to  his  side,  and  said  to  him : 

"  Have  you  any  knowledge  of  the  distance  still  be- 
tween us  and  Thuron  ?  " 

"  No,  my  Lord.  I  have  no  acquaintance  with  the 
river  below  Cochem." 

*'  The  sun  is  at  least  two  hours  past  meridian,  and 
wc  must  have  food.  Ride  on  to  yonder  village  and 
see  if  they  will  prepare  something  for  us." 

"  My  Lord,  knowing  how  badly  travellers  fare  who 
depend  on  chance  foraging  down  this  valley,  I  brought 
with  me  from  Cochem  a  skin  of  wine  and  food  enough 


THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES.       105 


for  half  a  dozen.     We  might  rest  on  the  hill  top  after 
passing  through  the  village  and  there  eat." 

"  Your  foresight  was  wise  in  one  way  and  dangerous 
in  another.  Asking  for  food  and  wine  might  have 
aroused  suspicion  in  the  castle,  although  apparently 
it  has  not  done  so." 

"  I  took  none  into  my  confidence,  my  Lord.  The 
buttery  is  well  provided,  and  they  keep  not  such  strict 
watch  on  it  as  they  do  at  the  oi'ter  gate.  I  was  bid- 
den go  there  and  refresh  myself;  which  I  did,  and 
then  took  with  me  what  was  most  portable,  palatable 
and  sustaining." 

**  In  that  case  you  are  to  be  commended  as  a  more 
thoughtful  campaigner  than  myself,  but,  in  truth,  I 
was  so  anxious  to  get  out  of  the  castle  I  thought  little 
of  bringing  anything  else  with  me  than  those  in  my 
charge." 

Passing  through  the  village,  which  they  learned  was 
called  Hattonis  Porta,  from  the  hill  that  overshadowed 
it  to  the  east,  they  began  the  ascent  that  was  to  bring 
them  to  their  resting-place.  The  top  of  the  hill  com- 
manded the  valley  up  the  Moselle  for  a  distance  of 
two  or  three  leagues,  and  they  would  thus  have  ample 
notice  of  pursuit,  and  might  therefore  lunch  in  peace* 
Furthermore,  when  Rodolph  reached  the  top,  he  was 
delighted  to  see  but  a  short  distance  further  on,  and 
across  the  river  which,  rounding  the  promontory, 
turned  toward  the  north,  the  two  grey  towers  of  a 
strong  castle,  which  from  the  description  he  had  re- 
ceived of  it,  he  instantly  knew  to  be  Thuron ;  thus 
their  journey's  end  was  in  plain  sight.  The  empty 
road  far  up  the  river  gave  him  assurance  that,  should 
the  enemy  appear  in  view,  there  was  ample  time  for 
them  to  cross  the  river  and  reach  the  castle  before  they 
were  even  caught  sight  of  by  their  pursuers.  Rodolph 
slipped  from  his  horse  and  stood  there  awaiting  the 
arrival  of  the  Countess,  whose  tired  steed  was  coming 
slowly  up  the  hill.  Before  he  assisted  her  to  dis- 
mount he  pointed  out  the  castle. 


m  I 


f: 


io6 


TEKLA. 


"  There,  my  Lady,"  he  said,  "  is  the  residence  of  the 
Count,  your  uncle,  and  the  end  of  your  toilsome 
march." 

"  Now  may  the  saints  be  thanked  for  their  pro- 
tection," cried  the  wearied  girl.  "  How  I  have  prayed 
this  some  time  past  for  a  sight  of  those  towers !  " 

She  slipped  from  her  horse  into  his  arms,  and  he 
held  her  perhaps  a  moment  longer  than  was  necessary 
to  set  her  safely  on  the  turf.  If  the  lady  resented 
this,  she  at  least  made  no  complaint  about  it,  but  the 
colour  came  swiftly  to  her  fair  face,  and  she  sighed, 
probably  because  the  haven  was  so  near. 

Conrad  and  Hilda  now  came  up,  and  assisted  each 
other  in  setting  forth  the  meal  that  the  former  had 
brought  from  Cochem.  Then  the  horses  cropped  the 
grass  near  by,  securely  tethered,  as  Tekla  and  Rodolph 
took  their  repast  together,  while  Hilda  and  Conrad  did 
likewise  at  a  little  distance.  ,      ,, 

"  What  do  you  propose  to  do  when  we  reach 
Thuron?"  asked  the  Countess. 

"  I  shall  first  offer  some  good  advice  to  the  Count 
Heinrich,  if  he  will  listen  to  me." 

"  What  advice  ?  " 

"  To  provision  his  castle  instantly  for  the  coming 
siege." 

"  The  coming  siege  ?  I  do  not  understand  you. 
The  country  is  at  peace." 

"  True,  but  the  peace  will  be  speedily  broken.  The 
Archbishop  will  invest  Thuron  Castle  as  soon  as  he 
can  collect  his  forces." 

The  Countess  looked  at  him  for  some  moments 
with  dilated  eyes,  in  which  apprehension  grew  more 
and  more  pronounced. 

"  Do  you  mean  that  there  will  be  war  because — be- 
cause of  me?  " 

"  Most  certainly.     Did  you  not  know  that  ?  ** 

The  girl  arose  and  regarded  him  with  ever>increasing 
dismay. 

"  I  shall  return  instantly  to  Cochem/*  she  said,  at 


THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES.       107 


last.  "  I  will  give  myself  v>p  to  the  Archbishop. 
There  shall  not  be  bloodshed  on  my  account,  no  mat- 
ter what  happens  to  me." 

The  Emperor  smiled  at  her  agitation,  and  her  in- 
nocence at  not  in  the  least  appreciating  the  inevitable 
consequence  of  her  revolt. 

"  You  will  do  nothing  so  foolish,"  he  said.  "  Be- 
sides, you  are  under  my  command  until  I  deliver  you 
safely  to  your  uncle,  and  I  assure  you  I  permit  no 
rebellion  in  my  camp.  Even  if  you  returned  to  the 
Archbishop  you  would  merely  consign  yourself  to  a 
prison,  and  would  not  prevent  a  conflict.  I  under- 
stand that  your  uncle  has  on  more  than  one  occasion 
demanded  the  custody  of  your  person,  and  the  crafty 
Archbishop  would  never  believe  that  he  had  no  hand 
in  your  flight.  His  Lordship  has  for  some  time  been 
meditating  an  attack  on  Thuron,  and  I  learned  at 
Cochem  that  the  devout  Arnold  recently  sent  spies  to 
discover  how  best  the  castle  might  be  taken  ;  so  it  is 
more  than  likely  you  are  doing  your  uncle  the  greatest 
service  in  giving  him  warning  of  a  struggle  which  is 
hardly  preventable,  and  which  might,  at  any  moment, 
have  taken  him  unaware." 

"  A  siege ! "  said  the  Countess,  clasping  her  hands 
before  her,  speaking  more  to  herself  than  to  her  lis- 
tener and  gazing  across  the  blue  river  at  the  two  grim 
grey  towers  on  the  hill  top.  "A  siege  of  Castle 
Thuron  ? "  Then  turning  suddenly  on  Rodolph  and 
flashing  upon  him  a  swift  bewildering  glance  of  her 
splendid  eyes,  speaking  rapidly,  she  asked  : 

"  Will  you  be  in  the  castle  during  the  conflict?  ** 

*'  I  most  sincerely  hope  and  trust  I  shall,"  cried  the 
young  man,  fervently.  The  girl  drew  a  deep  breath 
that  was  almost  a  sigh,  but  said  nothing.  Rodolph 
stretched  forth  his  hand  to  her  and  she  put  her  hand 
in  his,  looking  frankly  into  his  honest  face.  No  speech 
but  that  of  their  eyes  passed  between  them.  But 
there  ran  rapidly  through  her  mind  the  thought  that  had 
the  Archbishop  endeavoured  to  force  her  to  marry  a 


io8 


TEKLA. 


I 


man  like  Lord  Rodolph,  she  might  never  have  sought 
escape  from  Treves. 

Conrad  at  this  point  interrupted  them.  ^  j 

**  My  Lord,"  he  said,  "  there  is  one  coming  up  the 
hill,  who  looks  like  the  archer." 

The  Emperor  rose,  and  accompanied  Conrad  to 
the  brow  of  the  descent,  with  some  anxiety,  fear- 
ing that  the  newcomer  might  prove  to  be  one  of  the 
pursuers  who  had  somehow  escaped  his  vigilance. 
There  was,  however,  no  cause  for  alarm ;  a  moment's 
glance  showed  that  it  was  indeed  the  archer,  who  be- 
ing stout  and  cumbered  by  pike,  cloak,  and  various 
belongings,  with  longbow  slung  over  his  shoulder, 
toiled  somewhat  slowly  up  the  steep  ascent,  pausing 
now  and  then  to  mop  his  brow  and  gaze  around  him, 
a  habit  of  caution  learned  during  the  years  of  cam- 
paigning. On  catching  sight  of  the  two  men  standing 
above  him  he  stopped,  took  the  bow  from  his  shoulder, 
strung  it,  gazing  up  at  them  for  a  moment,  then 
mounted  leisurely  as  before,  ready  for  any  greeting  he 
might  receive. 

When  within  earshot  he  again  stood  still,  and  accost- 
ing the  two,  said : 

"  Good  day  to  your  honours,  who  seem  to  be  men 
of  peace  and  but  scantily  armed,  the  which  makes 
it  most  unlikely  that  you  can  be  of  that  service  to  me 
which  doubtless  your  good  nature  would  give  you 
pleasure  in  rendering.  I  am,  as  you  may  have  no- 
ticed, a  man  accustomed  to  the  wars,  and  now  on 
the  outlook  for  some  noble  who  has  quarrels  on 
hand  and  the  will  to  pay  for  a  skilful  archer  who,  I 
may  say  in  all  modesty,  seeing  there  is  none  to  testify 
on  my  behalf,  never  misses  a  mark  he  aims  at,  provid- 
ing the  object  be  but  a  fair  and  reasonable  distance 
away.  I  am  desirous  of  taking  upon  me  the  quarrel 
of  any  such  noble,  all  the  better  pleased  if  the  quarrel 
be  just,  but  not  looking  too  closely  into  the  merits  of 
the  dispute,  as  experience  has  shown  me  that  few 
controversies  exist,  in  which  there  is  not  something 


THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES.       109 

to  be  said  for  both  sides ;  the  only  conditions  I  would 
be  inclined  to  impose  being  that  pay  should  be  rea- 
sonably sure,  and  that  the  provender,  such  as  a  man 
may  require  to  keep  him  in  health,  be  ample,  for  a 
taut  string  is  of  little  use  unless  there  be  good  muscle 
behind  it." 

"  Well  and  truly  spoken.  Sir  Archer,"  cried  Ro- 
dolph,  "  and  inaccurate  only  in  one  detail,  which  is 
that  there  stands  a  man  before  you  who  can  testify 
most  enthusiastically  regarding  your  skill  with  the 
bow.  Then  you  have  not  yet  won  your  way  to  the 
Rhine  ?  " 

"  Ah,  my  Lord,  is  it  indeed  you  ?  I  thought  there 
was  something  familiar  in  your  appearance ;  but  I 
saw  you  before  for  a  short  time  only,  and  that  at 
night.  Although  I  spoke  just  now  of  taking  service 
with  any  noble  who  might  be  in  need  of  a  man-at- 
arms,  still  I  hold  myself  in  some  measure  as  being 
under  your  orders,  for  I  accepted  from  you  three 
months'  pay,  and  wLile  it  is  true  that  I  have  had  to 
provide  food  at  my  o'  rn  expense  and  lodging  where 
night  overtook  me,  still  neither  the  quality  nor  cost 
of  either  has  been  such  as  to  invalidate  our  bargain, 
should  you  care  to  hold  me  to  it.  Of  the  food  along 
the  Moselle  I  can  truly  and  of  experience  say  it  is 
most  vile  and  swinish,  always  excepting  the  supper  and 
breakfast  provided  me  by  the  good  fellow  who  stands 
at  your  side,  and  who  is,  if  I  mistake  not,  the  same 
whom  your  comrade,  haying  small  knowledge  of  the 
dignity  of  archery,  the  which  is  only  what  might  have 
been  expected  of  him,  being  an  untaught  German,  de- 
sired me  to  execute  by  driving  a  good  shaft  through 
him  at  three  yards  or  so  distance." 

"  You  have  fallen  among  friends,"  said  the  Emperor, 
"  and  although  I  fear,  that,  if  your  fasting  has  been 
involuntary,  you  can  claim  little  credit  from  it  for  the 
benefit  of  your  soul,  yet  we  are  happily  in  a  position 
to  give  you  one  good  meal,  which  will  banish  the 
remembrance  of  hunger  and  at  least  afford  temporary 
benefit  to  your  body." 


/-  < 


m 


l! 


no 


TEKLA. 


k 


"  I  am  loath  to  say  that  I  give  little  thought  to  my 
,  soul,"  replied  the  archer,  promptly  advancing  when  he 
became  aware  that  there  was  sustenance  on  the  top  of 
the  hill,  "  and  I  minister  unto  it  perhaps  as  much  as 
any  man  now  under  arms  in  Germany,  which  is  not 
high  recommendation  ;  still  the  body  has  a  practice  of 
pressing  its  claims  upon  a  man's  mind  in  a  way  that 
will  not  be  denied,  and  therefore  I  accept  with  most 
hearty  gratitude  any  victual  that  your  Lordship  may 
have  at  your  disposal,  and  I  trust  that  in  the  pro- 
visioning of  your  expedition  such  an  important  item 
as  that  of  drink  has  not  been  forgotten." 

*'  Your  faith  in  the  thoughtfulness  of  our  caterer  is 
far  from  being  misplaced.  I  can  guarantee  you  wine 
as  good  as  the  Archbishop  himself  keeps  in  his 
cellars." 

The  archer  drew  the  back  of  his  hand  across  his 
waiting  lips,  and  smacked  them  in  anticipation  of  the 
unexpected  good  fortune  that  had  befallen  him. 
Rodolph  asked  Conrad  to  provide  as  well  for  their 
visitor  as  the  remnants  of  the  feast  would  allow,  and 
the  archer,  wasting  no  time  in  further  conversation, 
fell  to,  and  left  nothing  for  a  later  guest,  should  such 
an  one  arrive. 

While  the  archer  heroically  made  up  for  lost  time, 
Conrad  brought  round  the  horses,  and  Rodolph 
assisted  the  Countess  to  mount.  Hilda  and  Conrad 
were  also  ready  for  the  short  journey  that  lay  before 
them,  but  the  Emperor  stood  with  bridle  rein  over  his 
arm,  and  waited  the  finishing  of  the  feast,  desiring  to 
give  the  archer  hint  that  there  was  probably  action 
ahead  at  Thuron  Castle. 

"  You  have  met  with  little  encouragement,  then,  on 
your  march  down  the  river,"  said  the  Emperor,  as  the 
bowman,  with  a  deep  sigh,  ceased  operations. 

"  No  encouragement  at  all,  your  Lordship.  Never 
in  all  my  travelling,  either  in  Germany  or  elsewhere, 
have  I  passed  through  a  country  so  depressingly 
peaceful,  which  weighs  heavily  on  one's  spirits  ;  indeed 


'«4 


THE  INTERCEPTED  FUGITIVES.       in 

it  is  enough  to  make  a  man  turn  monk,  and  forsake 
the  bow-string  for  a  string  of  beads.  What  better 
evidence  could  there  be  of  the  sluggish  nature  of  this 
district  than  the  fact  that  there  is  at  this  moment 
approaching  us,  doubtless  from  yonder  castle,  three 
mounte  and  armed  men,  who  in  some  sort  appear  to 
be  trying  to  come  upon  us  unmarked,  yet  here  wt  are, 
a  tranquil  group,  paying  scant  attention  to  their 
adjacency." 

As  the  archer,  who  was  gazing  toward  Thuron  Cas 
tie,  spoke  thus  in  a  tone  of  complacent  Rejection, 
Rodolph,  who  had  been  scanning  the  district  to  the 
west,  turned  suddenly  round,  and  to  his  amr.r  ement 
beheld  three  men  on  horseback,  who  had  jvidently 
worked  their  way  unseen  up  the  opposite  side  of  the  hill 
from  which  the  Emperor  and  his  party  had  ascended, 
and  who  now  stood  some  distance  ofl,  regarding  the 
startled  quartette  and  their  calm  guest  ;  the  bowman 
not  having  the  remotest  idea  what  the  sudden  appear- 
ance of  those  to  whom  he  had  thus  casually  called 
attention  meant  to  his  hosts. 

To  Rodolph  they  were  merely  three  armed  men, 
but  the  keener  eyesight  of  the  Countess  brought  swift 
knowledge  to  her,  and  caused  a  quick  pallor  to  over- 
spread her  face. 

"  The  Count  Bertrich  !  "  she  cried. 

The  Emperor  clenched  his  fist  and  drew  a  deep 
breath,  as  the  thought  of  all  his  useless  scouring  of  the 
western  horizon  surged  over  him. 

"Intercepted!"  he  mutteied  to  himself,  with  a 
half-smothered  oath. 


B&itf 


A< 


K  - 


f 


Yi: 


CHAPTER  XL 

IN  QUEST  OF  A  WIFE  WITH  A  TROOP  OF  HORSE. 

When  Count  Bertrich  flung  himself  from  his  horse 
in  front  of  the  Archbishop's  summer  palace  at  Zur- 
lauben,  and  strode  hastily  up  the  steps  that  led  to  the 
entrance,  he  passed  through  the  crowded  hall,  looking 
neither  to  the  right  nor  the  left  until  he  reached  the 
ante-chamber  that  communicated  with  the  large  room 
in  which  the  Elector  transacted  his  business.  The 
waiting  and  excited  throng  in  the  hall  made  way  for 
him,  as  the  great  war-lord  and  acknowledged  favourite 
of  the  powerful  Archbishop  went  clanking  through 
among  them  clad  in  full  armour,  paying  not  the  slight- 
est heed  to  their  salutations. 

The  Count  found  the  secretary  ready  to  conduct 
him  instantly  into  the  presence  of  the  Archbishop, 
and  together,  in  silence,  they  entered  the  lofty  apart- 
ment that  was  part  chapel  and  part  throne-room. 

At  the  further  end  of  the  noble  presence-chamber 
Arnold  von  Isenberg  paced  back  and  forward  across 
the  polished  floor,  his  hands  clasped  behind  him,  a 
dark  frown  on  his  downward  bent  brow.  He  was  clad 
in  the  long  silken  robes  of  his  priestly  office,  and  their 
folds  hissed  behind  him  like  a  following  litter  of  ser- 
pents as  he  walked.  He  paused  in  his  promenade 
when  the  Count  and  the  monk  entered,  and,  straight- 
ening his  tall  form,  stood  regarding  them  in  silence, 
until  the  secretary  slipped  noiselessly  from  the  room 
and  left  the  summoned  and  summoner  alone  together. 

"  You  are  here  at  last,"  began  the  Archbishop, 
coldly.  "  It  is  full  time  you  arrived.  Your  bride  has 
fled.'*^ 


y  . 


IN  QUEST  OF  A  WIFE. 


"3 


"Fled?    The  Countess  Tekla ? " 

"You  have  no  other,  I  trust,"  continued  the  Prince 
of  the  Church,  in  even,  unimpassioned  tones.  "  My 
first  thought  on  learning  she  was  missing  made  me 
apprehensive  that  the  girl  had  anticipated  the  mar- 
riage ceremony  by  flying  to  your  notoriously  open 
arms,  and  I  expected  to  be  asked  to  bless  a  bridal 
somewhat  hastily  encompassed  ;  but  I  assume  from 
your  evident  surprise  that  she  has  been  given  the 
strength  to  resist  temptation  which  takes  the  form 
of  your  mature  and  manly  virtues." 

The  sword  cut  across  Count  Bertrich's  face  red- 
dened angrily  as  he  listened  to  the  sneering,  con- 
temptuous words  of  the  Archbishop,  but  he  kept  his 
hot  temper  well  in  hand  and  said  nothing.  The  man- 
ner of  his  over-lord  changed,  and  he  spoke  sharply 
and  decisively,  as  one  whose  commands  admit  neither 
question  nor  discussion. 

"  Last  night  the  Countess  Tekla  took  it  upon  her- 
self to  disappear.  The  guards  say  she  passed  them 
going  outward  about  ten  o'clock,  and  no  one  saw  her 
return.  This  leads  me  to  suspect  that,  with  childish 
craftiness,  the  passing  of  the  guards  was  merely  a  ruse 
on  her  part,  intended  to  mislead,  and  so  although  I 
pay  little  attention  to  such  a  transparent  wile,  I  have 
taken  all  precautions  and  have  already  acted  on  the 
clue  thus  placed  in  my  hands,  for  there  is  every 
chance  that  the  girl  is  indeed  a  fool ;  we  usually  err 
in  ascribing  too  much  wisdom  to  our  fellow  creatures. 
Regarding  the  proposed  marriage,  which,  strange 
and  unaccountable  as  it  may  appear  to  me,  and  must 
appear  to  you,  the  Countess  seemed  to  view  with  little 
favour,  she  threatened  to  appeal  to  the  Emperor  and 
also  to  his  Holiness  the  Pope."  On  mentioning  the 
name  of  the  latter,  the  Archbishop  slightly  inclined 
his  head.  "  I  take  small  account  of  the  Emperor,  but 
have  nevertheless  sent  a  body  of  fleet  troopers  along 
the  Frankfort  road  in  case  she  meant  what  she  said, 
which  I  suppose  may  sometimes  happen  with  a  we- 


ll 


/» 


114 


TEKLA. 


• 


man.  They  know  not  whom  they  seek,  but  have 
orders  to  arrest  and  bring  back  every  woman  they 
find,  therefore  we  arc  like  to  have  shortly  in  Treves  a 
screaming  bevy  of  females,  enough  to  set  any  city 
mad.  I  have  thrown  out  a  drag-net,  and  we  shall 
have  some  queer  fish  when  it  is  pulled  in.  But  to 
you  and  to  you  alone,  Count  Bertrich,  do  I  reveal  my 
mind  ;  sec  therefore  that  you  make  no  mistake.  The 
fool  has  taken  to  the  water  and  is  now  committed  to 
the  sinuous  Moselle. 

*'  She  said  nothing  in  her  protests  about  her  uncle 
of  Thuron,  and  unless  I  am  grievously  misled,  the 
crooked  talons  of  the  black  vulture  are  in  this  business. 
He  has  doubtless  provided  boat  and  crew,  and  they 
arc  making  their  way  down  the  river  in  the  night, 
concealing  themselves  during  the  day.  They  will 
avoid  Ikuttig  and  Cochcm.  Make  you  therefore  for 
Bruttig  with  what  speed  you  may,  sparing  neither 
horse  nor  man ;  yourself  I  know  you  will  not  spare. 
If  nothing  has  been  heard  of  them  there,  order  a  chain 
across  the  river  that  will  stop  ail  traffic  and  seta  night 
guard  upon  it ;  then  press  on  to  Thuron  across  the 
country  by  the  most  direct  line  you  can  follow,  com- 
ing back  up  the  river  to  intercept  them,  for  their  out- 
look will  be  entirely  directed  toward  what  is  following 
them.  If,  in  spite  of  all  our  precautions,  the  girl 
reaches  Thuron,  seek  instant  entrance  to  the  castle 
and  audience  with  the  Black  Count.  Demand  in  my 
name,  immediate  custody  of  the  body  of  Countess 
Tckla  ;  if  this  is  refused,  declare  castle  and  lands  for- 
feit and  Ileinrich  outlaw.  Retire  at  once  to  Cochem, 
where  I  shall  join  you  with  my  army.  And  now  to 
horse  and  away.  Success  here  depends  largely  on 
speed." 

Count  Bertrich  made  no  reply  but  sank  on  one  knee, 
rose  quickly  and  left  the  room.  The  expression  on 
his  face  as  he  passed  through  the  multitude  in  the 
great  hall  was  not  such  as  to  invite  inquiry,  and  no 
one  accosted  him. 


IN  QUEST  OF  A  WIFE. 


IIS 


"  There  is  war  in  that  red  scar  of  Bertrich's,"  said 
an  officer  to  another. 

Outside  the  Count  flung  himself  on  his  horse,  gave 
a  brief  word  of  command  to  his  waiting  troop,  and 
galloped  away  at  the  head  of  his  men. 

He  made  no  attempt  to  pursue  the  extremely 
crooked  course  of  the  upper  river,  but,  knowing 
the  country  well,  he  left  the  Moselle  some  distance 
below  Treves,  and,  taking  a  rude  thoroughfare  that 
was  more  path  than  road,  followed  it  up  hill  and 
down  dale  through  the  forest.  He  was  determined 
to  reach  Bruttig  that  night,  hoping  to  finish  the  jour- 
ney by  moonlight,  taking  advantage  of  the  long  sum- 
mer day  and  riding  as  hard  as  horseflesh  could  endure. 
When  the  day  wore  on  to  evening  Bertrich  saw  that 
he  had  set  to  himself  no  easy  task,  for  in  the  now 
pathless  forest,  speedy  progress  became  more  and 
more  difficult,  and  when  the  moon  rose,  the  density  of 
the  growth  overhead  allowed  her  light  to  be  of  little 
avail.  Several  times  a  halt  was  sounded  and  the 
bugle  called  the  troop  together,  for  now  all  attempt 
at  regularity  of  march  had  been  abandoned,  but  on 
each  occasion  the  numbers  thus  gathered  ^vere  fewer 
than  when  the  former  rally  was  held.  In  spite  of  his 
temporary  loss  of  men,  Bertrich,  with  stubborn  per- 
sistence, determined  to  push  on,  even  if  he  reached 
Bruttig  alone.  For  an  hour  they  pressed  northward 
to  find  the  river  which  they  now  needed  as  a  guide, 
knowing  they  would  come  upon  it  at  Bruttig  or  at 
least  some  short  distance  above  or  below  it,  but  before 
the  Moselle  was  reached  they  suddenly  met  an  unex- 
pected check.  The  outposts  of  i.  i  unseen  band  com- 
manded them  to  stop  and  give  account  of  them- 
selves." 

"  Who  dares  to  bar  the  way  of  the  Archbishop's 
troops?"  demanded  Count  Bertrich. 

•*  It  is  the  Archbishop's  troops  that  we  are  here  to 
stop.     Will  you  fight  or  halt?"  was  the  answer. 

Bertrich,  with  his  exhausted  men  and  jaded  horses, 


<c-' 


ii6 


TEKLA. 


m. 


was  in  no  condition  to  fight,  yet  was  he  most  anxious 
to  pursue  his  way,  and  get  some  information  of  his 
whereabouts,  so  he  spoke  with  less  imperiousn -ss  than 
his  impulse  at  first  prompted. 

"  I  am  Count  Bertrich,  commanding  a  division  of 
his  Lordship's  army.  I  am  on  a  peaceful  mission,  and, 
when  I  left  his  Lordship  this  morning,  he  had  no  quar- 
rel with  any.  There  has  been  some  misunderstanding, 
and  I  should  be  loath  to  add  to  it  by  drawing  sword 
unless  I  am  attacked." 

"  You  shall  not  be  molested  if  you  stay  where  you 
are.  If,  however,  you  attempt  to  advance,  our  orders 
are  to  fall  upon  you,"  said  a  voice  from  the  darkness. 

Noticing  that  the  voice  which  now  spoke  was  not 
the  one  that  had  first  challenged,  Count  Bertrich  said, 

"  Are  you  in  command,  or  am  I  speaking  to  a  sen- 
tinel?" I 

'*  I  am  in  command." 

"  Then  who  are  you  and  whom  do  you  serve?  " 

"  Doubtless  you  are  well  aware  whom  I  serve  ?  ** 

**  I  know  no  more  than  the  Archbishop  himself." 

"  That  I  can  well  believe,  and  still  would  not  hold 
you  ignorant." 

"  We  are  talking  at  cross  purposes,  fellow.  There 
must  be,  as  I  have  said,  some  mistake,  for  the  domains 
of  the  Archbishop  are  in  a  state  of  peace.  There  is 
no  secret  about  my  destination  as  there  is  none  about 
the  name  which  I  have  rendered  to  you.  I  am  bound 
for  Bruttig  and  hope  to  reach  there  before  day  dawns." 

"  My  master  knew  of  your  destination  and  that  is 
why  I  am  here  to  prevent  you  reaching  it." 

"  What  you  allege  is  impossible.  None  knew  of 
my  destination  save  the  Archbishop  and  myself,  and 
I  have  ridden  from  Treves  with  such  use  of  spur  that 
news  of  my  coming  could  not  have  forestalled  me. 
Again  .    tsk  you  whom  you  serve." 

'*  Tha:  /ou  doubtless  guess,  for  you  know  whom 
you  are  sent  against,  and  why  you  ride  to  Bruttig." 

"  You  speak  in  riddles  ;  what  have  you  to  fear  from 
plain  answers  ?  " 


IN  QUEST  OF  A  WIFE. 


117 


"  I  fear  nothing.  My  duty  is  not  to  answer  ques- 
tions but  to  arrest  your  progress  toward  Bruttig.  If 
you  have  questions  to  ask,  ask  them  of  Count  Beil- 
stein." 

"  Oh  ho !  Then  it  is  to  Count  Beilstein  I  owe  this 
midnight  discourtesy.  I  thank  you  for  that  much  in- 
formation, which  is  to  me  entirely  unexpected. 
Where  is  the  Count  ?  " 

"  He  is  at  Bruttig." 

"  How  far  is  that  from  where  we  stand  ?  " 

"  Something  more  than  a  league." 

"  I  cannot  comprehend  why  Count  Beihtein  should 
endeavour  to  prevent  my  reaching  Bruttig,  nor  how 
he  can  be  aware  of  an  expedition  of  which  neither  the 
Archbishop  nor  myself  knew  aught  this  morning.  In 
addition  to  this,  Bruttig  is  under  the  joint  jurisdiction 
of  my  master  and  yours  and  the  Count  of  Winneburg, 
therefore  the  retainers  of  each  over-lord  have  free  en- 
trance to  the  place." 

"  Such   was  indeed  the  case  until  the  Archbishop 
broke  the  truce.     Now  Beilstein  and  Winneburg  have 
combined,  overthrown  the  Archbishop's  jurisdiction 
and  they  hold  Bruttig  together,  with  the  men  of  the 
Elector  prisoners." 

"  In  the  Fiend's  name  when  did  this  take  place  ? 
We  knew  nothing  of  it  at  Treves.  How  broke  the 
Archbishop  the  truce  ?  " 

"  It  was  broken  by  an  emissary  of  his,  who  by 
magic  sword-play  slew  my  master's  Captain,  leaving  in 
his  neck  a  hole  no  bigger  than  a  pin's  point,  yet 
enough  to  let  out  the  life  of  my  fellow  soldier. 
Then  when  there  was  outcry  at  this  foul  play,  the 
fellow,  being  sore  pressed,  cries  'Treves,  Treves," 
claiming  that  the  wench  with  him  was  no  other  than 
the  ward  of  the  Archbishop " 

"  Ha !     Say  you  so  ?    And  what  then  ?  " 

"  Thereupon  the  Archbishop's  Captain  bugles  up  the 
men  of  Treves,  rallies  round  the  emissary  of  his  crafty 
Lordship,  and  makes  rescue,  escorting  him  later,  wench 


Ii8 


TEKLA. 


1^ 


and  all,  to  his  Lordship's  stronghold  of  Cochem,  where 
doubtless  they  think  themselves  safe.  But  Beilstein, 
issuing  from  his  castle,  went  forthwith  to  Bruttig, 
joined  with  Winneburg,  made  prisoners  of  the  men  of 
Treves,  and  sent  me  here  in  force  to  intercept  any 
whom  they  expected  the  Archbishop  would  shortly 
send,  as  indeed  he  seems  to  have  done  under  your 
distinguished  leadership." 

"  You  fill  me  with  amazement.  There  is,  as  I  sur- 
mised, a  misunderstanding,  and  one  of  no  small  mo- 
ment, which  we  must  make  it  our  business  to  set  right. 
It  is  therefore  most  important  that  I  should  have 
speech  with  your  master  and  that  speedily.  I  pray 
you  instantly  to  escort  me  with  your  men  to  Bruttig." 

"  That  may  I  not  do,  my  Lord.  My  orders  are 
strict  and  Count  Beilstein  is  not  the  man  to  overlook 
divergence  fron^  them." 

*'  Then  come  with  me  yourself*  I  shall  go  as  your 
prisoner  or  in  any  guise  you  please,  so  that  no  time 
be  lost.     My  men  will  camp  here  for  the  night." 

"  I  cannot  part  company  from  my  orders,  which  are 
to  stop  you  or  to  fight  with  you  if  you  refuse  to 
stand." 

"  But  the  man  you  call  emissary  of  the  Archbishop, 
who  killed  your  comrade,  is  the  one  I  travel  in  hot 
haste  to  arrest.  Him  the  Archbishop  will  gladly 
yield  to  your  master  for  fitting  punishment,  but  while 
we  babble  here,  time  flies  and  he  with  it." 

'  It  will  take  more  than  the  bare  word  of  any  fol- 
lower of  Treves  to  make  my  master  believe  that  the 
murderer,  who  went  jauntily  with  escort  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's men  to  the  Archbishop's  castle  in  Cochem,  is 
one  whom  the  Archbishop  is  desirous  of  handing  over 
to  my  Lord  for  punishment,  still  this  much  I  may  do. 
I  will  send  at  once  a  fleet  messenger  to  my  Lord  at 
Bruttig,  acquainting  him  with  your  presence  here,  and 
that  messenger  will  take  any  word  you  are  pleased  to 
send  to  Count  Beilstein." 

Count  Bertrich  sighed  as  he  agreed  to  this,  for  he 


i'v 


IN  QUEST  OF  A  WIFE. 


119 


was  too  strict  a  disciplinarian  himself  not  to  know 
that  the  Captain  who  offered  to  do  this  much,  dare  not 
wander  from  the  definite  instructions  he  had  received. 
He  had  at  first  some  thought  of  beseeching  Beilstein 
to  send  instant  word  to  Cochem  to  hold  within  the  cas- 
tle all  who  lodged  there,  until  the  arrival  of  commands 
from  the  Archbishop,  but  he  was  loath  to  divulge 
to  Beilstein  and  Winneburg  the  full  facts  of  the  case, 
and  he  was  well  aware  that,  without  doing  so,  he  would 
have  some  difficulty  in  explaining  his  own  presence, 
which  seemed  to  tally  so  exactly  with  the  forecasts 
of  those  now  temporarily  opposing  him.  However,  a 
league  was  but  a  short  distance  and  a  swift  messenger 
would  speedily  cover  it.  His  men,  thoroughly  ex- 
hausted, were,  many  of  them,  asleep  in  their  saddles, 
and  although  he  himself  was  still  eager  to  be  on  his 
way,  he  saw  that  any  attempt  to  move  onward  would 
be  futile  and  would  still  further  complicate  the  already 
intricate  condition  of  things,  so  he  contented  himself 
with  sending  a  message  to  the  Count,  the  purport  of 
which  was,  that  there  had  been  a  mistake  which  the 
Archbishop  would  speedily  rectify,  and  that  it  was 
imperative  for  the  capture  of  the  criminal,  that  an 
immediate  conference  should  take  place  between 
Count  Beilstein  and  himself. 

This  done,  he  gave  the  order  for  dismounting  and 
resting  until  the  messenger  returned.  A  camp  was 
formed  and  picketed  to  prevent  surprise,  although  he 
had  little  fear  of  an  attack,  as  he  had  evidently  con- 
vinced the  opposing  Captain  of  his  good  faith,  yet  the 
military  instinct  was  strong  in  Count  Bertrich,  and  he 
took  all  the  precautions  which  suggest  themselves  to  a 
man  in  an  enemy's  country.  The  moment  he  threw 
himself  on  the  ground  he  fell  into  a  sound  and  much 
needed  sleep. 

It  was  daylight  when  one  of  the  sentinels  awoke 
him,  saying  the  messenger  had  returned.  Count  Beil- 
stein gave  Bertrich  choice  of  three  courses  of  action  : 
first,  he  might  come  alone  to   Bruttig;   second,  he 


120 


TEKLA. 


might  bring  his  men  with  him,  provided  they  first  de- 
liver up  their  arms  to  the  Captain  who  had  stopped 
him ;  third,  he  might  fight.  Count  Bertrich  quickly- 
decided.  He  ordered  his  followers  to  deliver  up  their 
arms  to  the  Captain,  he  himself  retaining  his  weapons, 
and  thus  they  marched  into  Bruttig.  It  was  soon 
made  apparent  to  both  the  opposing  nobles  that  the 
unknown  young  man  who  had  proved  himself  so  ex- 
pert a  swordsman  was  no  minion  of  the  Archbishop. 
The  Archbishop's  Captain  had  not  yet  returned  from 
Cochem,  so  the  only  one  who  could  give  a  connected 
account  of  what  had  taken  place  was  Winneburg's 
Captain,  who,  under  the  shrewd  cross-questioning  of 
Count  Bertrich,  speedily  proved  that  no  document 
had  passed  between  the  young  man  and  the  Arch- 
bishop's leader ;  that,  in  fact,  the  Captain  had  several 
times  asked  for  such,  but  it  had  not  been  produced. 

"  It  is  as  I  suspected,"  said  Count  Bertrich,  "  the 
person  who  held  a  passport  from  Frankfort  is  a 
follower  of  Black  Heinrich,  whose  object  is  but  too 
evident.  He  seeks  to  embroil  you  with  the  Arch- 
bishop, and  has  come  perilously  near  to  success.  If  the 
scoundrel  is  still  at  Cochem,  into  which  castle  I  as- 
sure you  he  went  with  extreme  reluctance,  and  only 
under  pressure  of  circumstances,  for  you  learn  from 
your  own  man  that  he  refused  to  send  a  messenger  to 
Treves  when  the  Captain  offered  to  dispatch  one,  then 
we  have  him  fast,  and  I  undertake,  on  my  own  re- 
sponsibility, to  deliver  him  to  the  just  vengeance  of 
Count  Beilstein.  What  I  fear  is,  that  this  unfortunate 
delay  has  given  him  time  to  slip  away  from  Cochem 
and  betake  himself  to  Thuron,  where  we  may  have  to 
smoke  him  out,  if  Black  Heinrich  refuses  to  deliver 
him  to  us.  As  to  this  imprisoning  of  the  Archbishop's 
men  in  the  absence  of  their  Captain,  I  think  the  least 
said  about  it  the  better.  I  shall  certainly  not  dwell 
upon  it  when  I  return  to  Treves,  but  I  would  suggest 
that  they  be  liberated  without  further  delay.  The 
Archbishop  was  not  in  the  happiest  temper  when  I 


IN  QUEST  OF  A  WIFE. 


121 


parted  from  him  yesterday,  and  one  can  never  predict 
with  certainty  what  he  may  do  under  provocation.  I 
have  myself  been  so  anxious  to  avoid  any  cause  of 
offence,  that  I  have  gone  to  the  extreme  length  of 
disarming  my  men  and  coming  unprotected  among 
you,  an  act  for  which  his  Lordship  is  little  likely  to 
commend  me,  should  it  come  to  his  ears.  The  mo- 
ment their  weapons  are  restored,  I  shall  journey  to 
Cochem  and  endeavour  to  catch  my  young  swords- 
man." 

Winneburg,  the  quarrel  being  none  of  his,  having 
slept  on  the  matter,  and  seeing  more  clearly  than  he 
did  on  the  previous  day  the  danger  of  entangling  him- 
self with  so  formidable  an  antagonist  as  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves,  at  once  admitted  that  there  had 
been  a  misunderstanding  all  round,  and  expressed  his 
willingness  to  revert  to  the  former  condition  of  things, 
as  the  Archbishop,  through  Count  Bertrich,  had  dis- 
claimed the  doings  of  their  visitor  of  the  day  before. 
Beilstein,  more  hot-headed  and  more  stubborn,  was 
reluctant  to  admit  himself  in  the  wrong,  but  if  his  ally 
fell  from  him,  there  was  nothing  for  it  but  submission, 
with  the  best  grace  he  could  bring  to  bear  on  his  re- 
treat ;  and  certainly  Bertrich  seemied  in  no  way  dis- 
posed to  impose  hard  conditions,  so  he  gave  order 
that  the  prisoners  should  be  released,  and  that  their 
arms  should  be  returned  to  Bertrich's  men. 

Having  eaten,  Count  Bertrich  and  his  troop  hastened 
down  the  river,  hoping  to  intercept  the  fugitives  at 
Cochem.  In  sight  of  the  castle  he  met  the  Captain 
and  his  dozen  horsemen  returning.  He  sent  all  back 
with  the  exception  of  one  man,  whom  he  forwarded  to 
Treves  to  acquaint  the  Archbishop  with  what  had  taken 
place.  The  Captain  was  ordered  to  detain  the  Coun- 
tess Tekla  in  Cochem  Castle  until  the  Archbishop's 
pleasure  should  be  known  ;  to  arrest  the  young  man 
who  accompanied  her.  take  him  to  Bruttig,  and 
deliver  him  to  Count  Beilstein.  Then  taking  but  two 
followers  with  him,  Count  Bertrich  struck  across  the 


122 


TEKLA. 


country  direct  for  Thuron  Castle.  He  approached 
that  stronghold  with  caution,  keeping  to  the  high 
lands  above  the  castle  until  he  espied  on  the  other 
side  of  the  river  the  party  of  whom  he  was  in  search, 
and  saw  that  they  had  indeed  stolen  away  from 
Cochem.  Coming  down  to  the  river  edge,  keeping  all 
the  while  in  concealment  as  much  as  the  nature  of  the 
country  permitted,  knowing  there  was  danger  in  cross- 
ing the  stream  in  full  view  of  Thuron  Castle  itself,  but 
nevertheless  not  hesitating  for  a  moment,  he  and  his 
two  men  plunged  their  horses  into  the  flood  and  won 
the  other  side  a  little  below  the  promontory  of  Hat- 
tonis  Porta.  Stealthily  ascending  the  hill,  hoping  to 
take  the  party  by  surprise,  but  in  any  case  having  not 
the  slightest  doubt  of  the  result  of  the  encounter. 
Count  Beitrich  found  himself  within  range  of  the  alert 
eyes  of  the  English  archer. 


■■  r' 


% 


CHAPTER  XII. 

CUPID'S  BOW  GIVES  PLACE  TO  THE  ARCHER'S. 

Rodolph's  first  thought  ran  toward  the  safety  of 
the  Countess.  He  resolved  at  once  to  send  her  down 
the  hill  they  had  so  recently  climbed,  and,  under  es- 
cort of  Conrad,  ask  her  to  cross  on  horseback  to  the 
other  side  of  the  river,  reaching  the  castle  as  soon  as 
might  be,  while  he  held  Co  ant  Bertrich  and  the  two 
men  in  check;  but  a  moment's  reflection  convinced 
him  that  the  Count,  having  intercepted  them  by  cut- 
ting across  country  to  the  south  of  the  Moselle,  had 
most  likely  placed  on  the  opposite  bank  a  company  of 
troops  in  ambush,  ready  to  capture  whoever  came 
within  its  radius.  The  crossing  must  be  done  under 
shadow  of  the  castle,  so  that  any  lurking  enemy  might 
be  over-awed  by  the  menace  of  its  presence,  and  thus 
they  could  ascend  unhir  ered  to  its  frowning  portal. 
That  their  situation  was  already  attracting  attention  at 
Thuron  was  evident,  for  the  Emperor  saw  bodies  of 
men  grouped  upon  the  walls,  while  several  horsemen 
were  collected  at  the  entrance  as  if  in  readiness  to 
ride,  should  occasion  demand  their  interference.  But 
there  was  no  signal  by  which  Rodolph  could  call  for 
aid,  and,  of  course.  Black  Heinrich  had  little  suspicion 
that  his  own  niece  was  probably  about  to  be  captured 
almost  within  the  shadow  of  his  strong  castle. 

There  was,  however,  scant  time  for  pondering. 
Now  that  concealment  was  no  longer  possible.  Count 
Bertrich,  adjusting  his  lance  for  the  encounter,  was 
advancing,  closely  followed  by  the  two  men. 

"  Conrad,"  cried  the  Emperor,  "  take  the  Countess 
down  the  hill  till  you  lose  sight  of  our  assailants,  then, 


B9MB 


r  '\ 


124 


TEKLA. 


as  speedily  as  possible,  bend  tlirough  the  forest  to  the 
north,  circlin;^  this  spot  so  that  you  come  upon  the 
Moselle  opposite  Thuron.  Cross  the  river  and  make 
for  the  castle  gates." 

"  J<ut  you,  my  l.ord,  unarmed,  cannot  oppose  three 
armoured  men,"  objected  Conrad. 

'•  1  stand  by  his  Lordship,"  said  the  archer,  with  an 
unruOlod  confidence,  that  in  spite  of  the  strait  they 
were  in  brought  the  suggestion  of  a  smile  to  the  lips ' 
of  the  ICmperor. 

"  We  vyill  hold  our  ground,  with  what  success  may 
befall  us,"  replied  Rodolph,  "  but  lose  no  time  in  your 
circuit,  and  keep  strict  watch  for  ambush." 

The  Countess,  Conrad,  and  Hilda  departed,  leaving 
Rodolph  and  the  bowman  alone  on  the  top  of  the  hill, 
in  serious  jeopardy,  for  neither  man  wore  armour,  and 
the  I'lmperor  had  no  weapon  except  his  slight  rapier. 

The  archer,  seeing  from  the  first  that  trouble  was 
ahead,  but  having  too  little  curiosity  regarding  its 
t)rigin  to  cause  him  to  venture  inquiry,  so  long  as  no 
attempt  was  made  to  smooth  away  difficulty  and  bring 
about  a  peaceful  understanding,  caring  not  a  jot 
w  liether  the  side  ot  the  quarrel  he  expected  to  cham- 
pion was  just,  or  the  reverse,  had  unslung  his  bow, 
giving  a  hitcli  to  the  full  quiver  so  that  the  ends  of 
the  arrows  were  convenient  lo  his  right  hand,  and  now 
stood  with  left  foot  slightly  forward  as  a  bowman 
should,  measuring  critically  with  his  half  shut  eye  the 
distance  between  himself  anil  the  three  horsemen. 

"  Is  it  your  Lordship's  pleasure,"  he  asked,  "  that  I 
kill  all  three,  or  do  you  purpose  to  try  conclusion 
yourself  with  one  or  other  of  them  ?  If  so,  which  shall 
I  spare  ?  " 

"  These  men  are  cased  in  iron,  and  proof  against 
your  shafts.  I  will  parley  with  them  and  offer  single 
combat  to  their  leader  ;  we  cannot  hope  to  prosper  in 
a  general  onset." 

*  Their  faces  are  bare,  which  is  all  the  kindness  I 
ask  of  any  man  who  sets  himself  up  as  target." 


fW 


II 


CUPID'S  HOW. 


125 


"If  choice  is  to  be  made,  spare  the  leader,  and 
leave  him  for  me  to  deal  with,"  said  Rodolph,  step- 
ping forward  and  raising  his  voice,  as  he  accosted  the 
hostile  party. 

"  My  Lord,  Count  Bertrich,"  he  cried,  "  I  ask  of  you 
a  truce  and  a  parley,  when  we  may  each  disclose  our 
intentions  to  the  other,  and  find  if  amicable  adjust- 
ment be  possible." 

An  exclamation  of  intense  disgust  escaped  the  im- 
patient archer  at  this  pacific  proclamation,  but  his 
drooping  spirits  revived  on  hearing  the  defiant  tone  of 
the  Count. 

•'  Who  are  you,  whelp,  to  propose  a  conference  with 
me?  Were  it  not  that  I  promised  to  take  you  alive 
so  Beilstein  may  have  the  pleasure  of  hanging  you,  I 
would  now  ride  you  down  and  put  a  good  end  upon 
mischievous  interference.  Therefore  surrender,  and 
appeal  for  clemency  to  Beilstein,  for  you  will  have 
none  from  me." 

*'  Spoken  like  a  brave  man  and  a  warrior,"  exclaimed 
the  archer,  with  enthusiasm.  "  Would  there  were 
more  nobles  in  Germany  resembling  him.  Now,  my 
Lord,  surely  the  insult  ancnt  your  hanging,  demands 
that  instant  defiance  be  hurled  at  him." 

"  Peace,  peace,"  whispered  Rodolph,  "you  will  have 
your  fighting,  never  fear.  I  must  gain  time  so  that 
the  others  may  escape."  Then  he  cried  aloud,  "  If  I 
surrender,  my  Lord  Count,  it  must  be  on  terms  dis- 
tinctly set  forth,  with  conditions  stated  and  guaran- 
teed by  your  knightly  word." 

The  Emperor's  diplomatic  efforts  were  without 
avail.  Count  l^crtrich  made  no  reply,  but  giving  a 
quick  word  of  command  to  his  followers,  levelled  lance 
and  dug  spurs  into  his  horse.  The  three  came  on  to- 
gether, the  '  v!  nt  slightly  in  advance,  his  men  at  right 
and  left  of  him,  the  pulsation  of  the  beating  hoofs 
on  the  hard  turf  breaking  the  intense  stillness.  The 
Emperor  stood  firm  with  tightened  lips  awaiting  the 
onslaught,  having  little  hope  Ihat  it  would  end  favour- 


f  I 


126 


TEKLA. 


ably  to  him.  The  archer,  however,  gave  forth  a  joy- 
ous cry  that  was  half-cheer,  half-chuckle,  and,  without 
awaiting  for  command,  drew  swiftly  the  string  of  his 
bow  to  his  ear,  letting  fly  twice  in  succession  with  a 
twang  that  sounded  like  a  note  from  a  harp.  The  ar- 
rows, with  the  hum  of  angry  bees,  passed  first  by  one 
ear  and  then  by  the  other  of  the  advancing  warrior, 
who  instinctively  swayed  his  head  this  way  and  that 
to  avoid  the  light-winged  missiles,  thinking  he  was 
shot  at  and  missed,  but  the  piercing  death-shriek  first 
from  the  man  at  his  left  and  then  from  the  one  at 
his  right,  speedily  acquainted  him  with  the  true  re- 
sult. B»^fore  him  he  saw  the  deadly  weapon  again 
raised,  aid  felt  intuitively  that  this  time  the  shaft  was 
directed  against  himself,  although  the  archer  paused 
in  the  launching  of  it,  apparently  awaiting  orders 
from  his  superior.  The  Emperor  raised  his  right  hand 
menacingly  and  cried  in  a  voice  that  might  almost 
have  been  heard  at  the  castle : 

"  Back,  my  Lord  Count.  There  is  certain  death  to 
meet  you  in  two  horse-lengths  more." 

The  impetus  of  the  Count's  steed  was  so  great  that 
it  was  impossible  to  check  it  in  time,  but  he  at  once 
raised  his  lance  in  token  that  he  had  abandoned 
attack,  and,  pulling  on  the  left  bridle  rein,  swerved  his 
course  so  that  he  described  a  semi-circle  and  came  to 
a  stand  feicing  his  foes,  with  the  two  dead  men  lying 
stark  between  him  and  his  intended  victims. 

With  a  downward  sweep  of  the  hand  that  had  been 
lifted,  the  Emperor  signalled  to  his  ally  to  lower  his 
bow,  which  the  archer  reluctantly  did,  drawing  a 
deep  sigh  that  the  battle  should  be  so  quickly  done 
with. 

Rodolph  advanced  a  few  steps  and  once  more  ac- 
costed h's  foe. 

"  My  Lord,"  he  said,  "  you  see,  I  trust,  that  I  hold 
your  life  at  my  mercy.  I  am  willing  to  give  terms  to 
a  brave  antagonist,  which  he  refused  to  me." 

"  In  truth,"  grumbled  the  archer,   "  I  see   nothing 


CUPID'S  BOW. 


12/ 


y- 
t 

IS 

a 

r- 
ne 


I 


brave  in  one  who  attacks  with  three,  all  heavily 
armoured  and  mounted,  two  on  foot,  one  of  whom  is 
without  weapons.  I  beg  you  to  tell  him  so,  or  allow 
me  to  speak  my  mind  to  him,  for  he  is  a  proud  man 
and  I  doubt  not  with  proper  goading,  he  may  be  urged 
to  a  fresh  onset." 

Rodolph  paid  no  attention  to  the  interruption,  but 
continued : 

"  If  you  will  give  me  your  word  that  you  will  re- 
turn to  Cochem,  you  may  pass  unharmed,  and  we  will 
not  attempt  to  molest  you  further." 

The  Count,  however,  made  no  reply,  but  sat  like 
a  stnti'.e  on  his  black  horse,  gazing  on  his  fallen  com- 
r.idt:  'd  meditating  on  the  changed  situation.  Then 
h  ^i'  ^'-d  in  a  receptacle  that  hung  by  his  saddle  and 
drew  i'orth,  not  a  new  weapon,  as  the  archer,  peering 
at  him,  suspected,  but  a  filmy  web  that  glittered  like 
an  array  of  diamonds.  This,  removing  his  gauntlets, 
he  clasped  about  his  neck,  fastening  it  to  the  lower 
part  of  his  helmet,  shaking  the  folds  over  his  shoulders 
like  a  cape. 

"  Fine  chain  armour  of  Milan  steel,"  murmured 
the  archer,  seemingly  hovering  between  anxiety  re- 
garding the  defensive  qualities  of  the  new  accoutre- 
ment and  deJi'^.ht  at  the  thought  that  the  Count  was 
again  about  lo  venture  himself  against  them.  With 
a  clank  o*"  :ro a  :>n  iron  the  warrior  brought  down  his 
barred  V;  o  over  his  face,  and,  drawing  on  his  gaunt- 
lets which  '•  ring  these  preparations  had  rested  on 
his  saddle  bov»'  -rasped  his  lance  and  lowered  it,  pre- 
senting now  ro  pregnable  point  of  his  person  to  the 
flying  arrow. 

"  By  Saint  George,"  cried  the  archer,  "  I  would  fain 
take  service  with  that  man.  He  displays  a  persist- 
ence in  com/bat  which  warms  my  heart  towards  him." 

But  it  ?  softness  of  the  archer's  heait  did  not  cause 
him  to  t  i*:e  any  precaution  the  less,  for  he  drew  out  a 
sheaf  of  ^i.  i'ows»  selecting  carefully  three  that  seemed 
to  be  thinner  at  the  point  than  the  others.     Two  of 


128 


TEKLA. 


these  he  placed  in  his  mouth,  letting  their  feathered 
ends  stick  out  far  to  his  left,  so  that  his  bow  arm  was 
free  from  their  interference ;  the  third  he  notched, 
with  some  minuteness,  on  the  string. 

"  My  Lord,  I  must  shoot  now,"  he  mumbled  with 
his  encumbered  mouth,  looking  anxiously  at  Rodolph, 
who  in  turn  was  viewing  no  less  anxiously  the  silent 
preparations  of  Bertrich.  The  Count,  however,  was 
in  little  hurry  to  begin,  apparently  wishing  to  satisfy 
himself  that  he  had  neglected  no  expedient  necessary 
for  his  own  safety. 

"  There  is  no  help  for  it,**  said  v^o  Emperor.  "  Do 
your  best,  and  Heaven  speed  the  .        ." 

The  bowman  twanged  the  string,  jending  forward 
eagerly  to  watch  the  fate  of  his  arrow.  The  shaft 
sang  an  ever  lowering  song,  as  it  flew,  falling  fairly 
against  the  bar^  of  the  visor  with  an  impact  that  rang 
back  to  them,  palpably  penetrating  an  interstice  of 
the  helmet,  for  it  hung  there  in  plain  sight.  The 
Count  angrily  shook  his  head,  like  an  impatient  horse 
tormented  by  the  bite  of  a  fly,  but  he  sat  steady, 
which  showed  the  archer  there  was  an  arrow  wasted. 
The  toss  of  his  head  did  not  dislodge  the  missile,  and 
the  Count,  with  a  sweep  of  his  gauntlet,  broke  it 
away  and  cast  it  contemptuously  from  him. 

"  Alas ! "  groaned  the  archer,  fitting  the  second  to 
the  string,  "  it  was  the  thinnest  bolt  I  had." 

Count  Bertrich  waited  not  for  the  second,  but  came 
eagerly  to  meet  it,  bending  down  as  a  man  does  who 
faces  a  storm — levelling  lance  and  striking  spur.  The 
horse  gallantly  responded.  The  second  arrow  struck 
the  helmet  and  fell  shivered,  the  third  was  aimed  at 
the  chain  armour  on  the  neck,  and  striking  it,  glanced 
into  the  wood,  disappearing  among  the  thick  foliage. 
Still  Bertrich  came  on  unchecked,  raising  his  head  now 
to  see  through  the  apertures  of  his  visor  to  the  trans- 
fixing of  the  archer,  who,  well  knowing  there  was 
but  scant  time  for  further  experiment,  hastily  plucked 
a  fourth  arrow  from  his  quiver,  and,  without  taking 


CUPID'S  BOW. 


129 


aim,  launched  it  with  a  wail  of  grief  at  the  charger, 
driving  the  arrow  up  to  its  very  wing  in  the  horse's 
neck  just  above  the  steel  breastplate.  The  horse,  with 
a  roar  of  terror,  fell  forward  on  its  knees,  its  rider's 
lance  thrusting  point  into  the  earth  some  distance 
ahead,  whereupon  Bertrich,  like  an  acrobat  vaulting 
on  a  pole,  described  an  arc  in  the  air  and  fell,  with 
jangling  clash  of  armour,  at  the  feet  of  the  Emperor, 
relaxing  his  limbs  and  lying  there  with  a  smothered 
moan. 

The  archer  paid  no  attention  to  the  fallen  noble, 
but  running  forward  to  the  horse  began  to  bewail  the 
necessity  that  had  encompassed  its  destruction.  He 
however  thriftily  pulled  the  arrow  from  its  stiffening 
neck,  wiped  it  on  the  grass,  and  spoke,  as  if  to  the 
dead  horse,  of  the  celerity  of  its  end,  and  the  generally 
satisfactory  nature  of  bow-shot  wounds,  wishing  that 
the  animal  might  have  had  a  realisation  of  its  escape 
from  being  mauled  to  its  death  by  clumsy  Germans. 

Rodolph  stooped  over  his  foe  to  throw  back  on 
its  hinges  his  visor,  whose  opening  revealed  the  un- 
conscious face  of  the  Count. 

"  It  seems  inhuman  to  leave  him  thus,"  he  said, 
"  but  there  is  a  woman's  safety  in  question,  and  I  fear 
he  must  take  the  chance  he  drove  down  upon." 

"  He  can  make  no  complaint  of  that,"  replied  the 
archer,  "  and  is  like  to  come  speedily  to  his  conten- 
tious self  again,  if  I  may  judge  by  the  flutter  of  his 
eyelids.  Indeed,  I  grieve  not  for  his  bruises,  but  for 
the  hurt  his  obstinacy  forced  me  to  inflict  upon  his 
poor  horse,  a  noble  animal  which  I  never  would  have 
slain  did  not  necessity  compel." 

"  Capture  a  horse  belonging  to  one  of  the  fallen 
men,  and  accompany  me  down  the  hill,"  said  Rodolph, 
briefly. 

The  archer  first  recovered  the  two  arrows  that  had 
overthrown  his  unknown  opponents,  bestowing  on 
their  bodies  none  of  the  sympathy  he  had  lavished  on 
the  horse,  for,  as  he  muttered  to  himself,  it  was  their 


K 


130 


TEKLA. 


trade,  and  a  well-met  shaft  should  occasion  them  little 
surprise,  which  undoubtedly  was  the  fact. 

Having,  with  some  difficulty,  secured  one  of  the 
horses,  and  with  still  more  trouble  succeeded  in  seat- 
ing himself  in  the  saddle — for,  as  he  said,  he  was  more 
accustomed  to  the  broad  of  his  foot  than  the  back  of  a 
horse — he  followed  his  leader,  who,  with  grave  anxiety, 
was  scanning  the  river  bank  opposite  Aiken,  hoping 
to  see  some  indication  of  the  Countess  emerging  from 
the  forest. 

"Archer,"  said  Rodolph,  turning  to  his  follower, 
**  your  great  skill,  and  no  less  indomitable  courage, 
has  to-day  saved  my  life,  and  has  placed  me  otherwise 
under  more  obligation  to  you  than  you  can  easily 
estimate.  I  hope  yet  to  make  good  my  debt,  but  in 
the  meantime  I  may  cheer  your  heart  by  telling  you 
that  your  expert  bowmanship  has  made  inevitable 
what  was  before  extremely  probable,  which  is,  that 
these  valleys  v/ill  shortly  ring  with  war,  and  the  Lord 
only  knows  when  the  conflict  shall  cease — possibly 
not  until  yonder  castle  is  destroyed,  or  the  Archbishop 
returns  defeated  to  Treves.** 

**  Say  you  so,  my  Lord  ?  Then  indeed  is  virtue 
rewarded,  as  I  have  always  been  taught,  though  see- 
in^  i  .tie  confirmation  of  it  in  my  wandering  over 
this  earth.  I  winged  my  shafts  for  the  pure  pleasure 
of  seeing  them  speed,  not  forgetting  my  duty  to  you 
in  the  earning  of  my  threepence  a  day,  duly  advanced 
into  my  palm  before  service  was  asked,  the  which,  I 
know  to  my  grief,  is  not  customary  among  nobles, 
although  fair  encouragement  in  spoils  gives  compensa- 
tion for  backwardness  in  pay  ;  still  I  had  no  hope  for 
such  outcome  as  war,  when  I  drew  string  to  ear,  and  am 
the  more  encouraged  to  think  that  a  wholesome  act, 
thus  unselfishly  accomplished,  brings  fitting  recom- 
pense so  trippingly  on  its  trail.  You  spoke  of  the 
Archbishop  (God  bless  his  Lordship),  do  I  fight, 
think  you,  for,  or  against  him  ?  *' 

"  As  the  man  you  have  so  recently  overturned  is  the 


CUPID'S  BOW. 


131 


friend,  favourite,  and  in  general  the  right  hand  of  the 
Archbishop,  judge  you  in  which  camp  your  neck  is 
hereafter  the  safer." 

"  I  have  long  desired  to  fight  for  the  Church,  but, 
for  a  devout  man,  it  seems  ever  my  fate  to  be  on  the 
opposite  side.  Ah  well,  it  matters  little,  and  it  serves 
the  Archbishop  right  for  the  inhospitality  of  his  gate 
at  Treves,  where  they  know  not  a  useful  soldier  when 
they  see  one.  We  are  like  to  be  beleaguered  in  yon 
castle  then  ?  " 

"Very  lik.  .indeed." 

"  Know  you  aught  of  how  they  are  provisioned  for 
a  siege  ? 

**  That  will  be  among  the  first  things  I  shall  inquire 
when  I  enter." 

"It  is  a  most  important  particular,  and  in  the 
inquiry  it  might  not  be  a  waste  of  breath  to  give  some 
hint  regarding  the  plenishing  of  the  wine  vaults." 

"  I  understand  Black  Heinrich  has  a  secret  passage 
to  the  river,  so  we  are  not  likely  to  suffer  from  thirst." 

"  'Tis  a  sensible  precaution ;  I  would  not  say  a 
word  against  water,  which  I  have  often  found  to  be 
useful  in  the  washing  of  wounds  and  otherwise,  still 
when  a  man  is  expected  to  fight,  I  think  there  is  noth- 
ing puts  such  heart  in  him  as  a  drop  of  good  sound 
wine,  so  it  be  not  taken  to  excess,  although  the  limit 
of  its  usefulness,  in  my  own  case,  I  have  never  yet 
had  a  sufficiency  of  the  beverage  to  gauge." 

"  The  Black  Count,  from  what  I  hear  of  him,  is  not 
one  to  neglect  the  laying  in  of  wine  ;  it  however  may 
be  well  to  question  him  closely  regarding  his  cellarage 
before  you  take  service  with  him,  for  I  surmise  that 
he  who  finds  lodgment  in  the  castle  will  not  soon  get 
abroad  again,  as  the  troops  of  the  Archbishop  will 
shortly  encircle  it  closely." 

"  The  prospect,"  said  the  archer,  drawing  the  back 
of  his  hand  across  his  mouth  as  if  his  lips  were  already 
moist  with  good  vintage,  "  is  so  alluring  that  I  can 
scarce  credit  it,  and  fear  the  Archbishop  may  give  or 


Mt 


132 


TEKLA. 


accept  apology,  for  we  seem  to  be  in  a  region  where 
compromise  is  held  in  high  esteem,  and  his  Lordship 
has  already  acquired  the  reputation  of  being  a  cau- 
tious man  (may  I  be  forgiven  if  I  do  him  an  injustice) ; 
still,  if  the  Count  who  plunged  so  bravely  against  us, 
hath  ^the  ear  of  him,  he  may  whisper  some  courage 
into  it,  for  he  acquitted  himself  on  the  hilltop  as  a 
man  should.  I  must  confess  that  I  should  dearly 
cherish  the  privilege  of  being  beleaguered  in  a  strong 
castle,  for  it  hath  ever  been  my  fortune  to  fight 
hitherto  in  the  field,  directing  my  shafts  against 
various  strongholds,  and  living  with  scant  protection 
while  launching  them,  sleeping  where  I  might,  in  a  ditch 
or  in  a  tent,  as  the  gods  willed,  and  ever  like  to  have  my 
slumbers  broken  by  stampede  or  sortie  when  least 
expecting  it.  I  was  never  one  who  yearned  for 
luxury,  but  it  must  be  a  delight  to  rest  nder  con- 
tinual cover,  with  a  well-stocked  cellar  underneath, 
and  the  protection  of  a  stout  stone  parapet  while 
taking  deliberate  aim,  not  to  mention  the  advantage 
that;  accrues  to  an  archer  who  lets  fly  at  one  below 
him,  rather  than  continually  craning  his  neck  to  send 
his  arrow  among  the  louds,  the  which  gives  little 
chance  for  accurate  marksmanship.  On  one  of  yonder 
towers  a  man  might  well  aspire  to  the  delight  of  loos- 
ing string  at  the  great  Archbishop  himself,  and  may 
such  luck  attend  me,  although  I  am  the  least  covet- 
ous of  mortals." 

"  Well,  archer,  we  shall  presently  see  what  befalls, 
and  I  feel  myself  the  safer  that  you  did  not  take  fee 
from  the  Archbishop  when  you  applied  at  the  gates  of 
Treves." 

The  archer  looked  gratefully  at  his  leader  for  the 
compliment,  and  together  they  rode  in  silence  to  the 
waterside  opposite  Aiken. 

As  yet  there  was  nothing  visible  of  Conrad's  party, 
who  had  probably  taken  a  longer  circuit  than  the  oc- 
casion demanded,  but  the  Emperor  saw  the  cavalry 
of  the  castle,  which  had  watched  the  conflict  motion- 


CUPID'S  BOW. 


133 


less,  now  descend  towards  Aiken,  and  he  rightly  con- 
sidered this  move  in  his  favour,  did  more  of  Bertrich's 
men  lie  in  ambush  in  the  opposite  forest.  Rodolph 
hoped  that  the  Black  Count  himself  was  at  the  head 
of  his  men,  but  at  that  distance  could  distinguish 
nothing. 

As  they  drew  near  the  spot  Rodolph  was  gratified 
to  perceive  Conrad  emerging  from  the  forest,  where  he 
had  asked  his  charge  to  remain  until  he  had  recon- 
noitred and  proved  that  the  way  was  clear.  The 
horsemen  from  the  castle  had  reached  Aiken,  and  now 
stood  drawn  up  fronting  the  river,  ready  to  assist  at 
the  landing  of  the  new-comers,  or  prevent  the  same, 
as  might  prove  to  be  convenient. 

Rodolph  shouted  across,  asking  that  a  boat  be  sent 
over,  for  he  saw  several  lying  on  the  beach,  but  those 
on  the  other  side  made  no  movement  to  comply  with 
his  wishes ;  in  fact,  it  was  doubtful  if  they  understood, 
for  here  the  Moselle  is  wide,  with  water  flowing  slow 
and  deep. 

Conrad,  at  a  word  from  his  master,  plunged  his 
horse  into  the  flood,  entering  below  the  spot  where 
Heinrich  had  placed  a  chain  across  the  river  for  the 
encouragement  of  traffic,  and,  when  he  had  landed, 
a  boat  was  shoved  off  in  which  the  Countess  and  Hilda 
were  ferried  over,  the  others  following  on  swimming 
horses. 


»«Kaii»iii.'i»mimiii»imwCT»n»» 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE    BLACK    COUNT    IS    PERSUADED    NOT    TO  HANG 

HIS  EMPEROR. 


The  Emperor,  when  his  dripping  charger  climbed  the 
incline  before  Aiken,  looked  with  concern  toward  the 
troop  of  horse  drawn  up  facing  the  river,  wonder- 
ing whether  or  no  Heinrich  himself  was  there  to 
greet  them.  The  leader  of  this  scant  cavalry  sat  on 
his  steed  a  horse-length  in  advance  of  his  men,  and 
was  rather  stairtlingly  red  than  black.  His  hair  and 
beard  were  fiery  crimson  in  colour,  while  the  face 
they  framed  was  of  a  similar  hue,  scarcely  less  violent, 
although  it  deadened  somewhat  as  it  reached  the  nose, 
and  painted  that  well  developed  and  prominent  organ 
a  rich  deep  purple,  giving  evidence,  Rodolph  thought, 
of  the  potency  of  Heinrich's  liquors.  The  man's  eyes 
were  shifty  and  suspicious,  and,  all  in  all,  his  face  was 
as  forbidding  as  one  would  care  to  see,  bringing  to 
life  the  conjecture  which  had  more  than  once  crossed 
the  young  man's  mind,  that  in  thus  unceremoniously 
changing  guardians  the  Countess  had  scarcely  bettered 
herself.  However,  he  still  had  hopes  that  this  crafty- 
looking  horseman  was  not  the  uncle,  from  whom  he 
expected  violence  perhaps,  but  not  treachery. 

The  Emperor  advanced  and  saluted  the  red  warrior, 
who  remained  motionless  upon  his  horse,  bestowing 
an  inquiring  but  none  too  friendly  glance  upon  the 
approaching  stranger. 

"  I  would  have  speech  with  Count  Heinrich,  of 
Thuron,"  said  Rodolph. 

"  Then  you  must  seek  him  in  his  castle,"  was  the 
reply,  which  brought  a  sigh  of  relief  to  the  lips  of  the 
Emperor. 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


13$ 


•'Whom  have  I  the  honour  of  addressing?"  he 
asked. 

"  I  am  Steinmetz,  Captain  of  Castle  Thuron.  Who 
are  you  ?  " 

"  My  name  is  Rodolph,  a  Lord  of  Frankfort,  and  I 
desire  convoy  to  the  castle." 

"  That  is  as  may  be,"  answered  the  Captain,  with 
lowering  brow.  "  What  is  your  business  with  my 
Lord  the  Count,  and  who  is  the  lady  that  accompanies 
you?* 

"  My  business  I  will  relate  to  the  Count  himself. 
The  lady  is  the  Countess  Tekla,  n'ece  of  Count  Hein- 
rich  and  sometime  ward  of  Archbishop  Arnold  von 
Isenberg  of  Treves.  If  you  have  further  questions  to 
ask,  it  may  be  well  to  put  them  to  your  master,  for 
my  patience  is  at  an  end,  and  I  am  unaccustomed  to 
the  cross-examination  of  my  inferiors.  There  is  a 
chance  that  Count  Heinrich  may  thank  you  for  this 
delay,  and  a  chance  that  he  may  not ;  you  know  him 
better  than  I,  so  act  as  best  pleases  you  under  that 
knowledge." 

The  Captain  gave  a  whistle  of  astonishment  when 
the  name  and  quality  of  the  lady  were  mentioned,  and 
instantly  saluted  with  his  sword  the  man  whom  a 
moment  before  he  had  treated  with  scant  courtesy. 
The  truculence  disappeared  from  his  manner,  and  he 
said,  with  some  eagerness : 

"  I  shall  be  pleased  to  act  immediately  as  your  con- 
voy to  the  castle,  my  Lord." 

*•  Nothing  could  be  more  satisfactory,"  replied 
Rodolph. 

The  Captain  gave  the  word  to  his  men,  who  formed 
in  line,  some  before  and  some  after  the  visitors,  and 
thus  the  procession  made  way  through  the  village 
and  up  the  zig-zag  path  that  led  to  the  castle,  a 
rugged  slanting  road  rising  higher  and  higher  at  each 
turn,  and  disclosing  broader  and  broader  views  of  the 
charming  valley  of  the  Moselle.  The  scene  vas 
peaceful  in  the  extreme,  and,  but  for  the  clatter  of 
armed  men,  one  might  have  imagined   that  no  such 


"■'ill' 


!li 


/  * 


136 


TEKLA. 


thing  as  conflict  could  exist  in  all  that  region.  On 
the  hilltop,  beyond  the  river,  Rodolph  could  see  that 
Count  Bertrich  had  come  to  himself,  had  captured  the 
remaining  horse,  and  was  transferring  the  accoutre- 
ments of  his  own  animal  to  the  new  mount. 

While  Rodolph  was  watching  his  late  opponent 
with  keen  interest,  wondering  whether  the  Count 
would  betake  himself  to  Cochem,  or  persist  in  his 
quest  and  visit  Thuron,  Tekla  spoke  to  hiii?. 

"My  Lord,"  she  said,  "you  have  somewhat  neg- 
lected me  of  late,  and  I  am  still  in  ignorance  of  what 
happened  when  you  so  unceremoniously  turned  me  off 
the  hilltop.     I  trust  you  arc  unhurt." 

"  Not  only  unhurt,  but  untouched,  Countess,  thanks, 
not  to  my  own  prowess,  but  to  the  marvellous  skill  of 
the  English  archer,  who  annihilated  the  foe  like  a 
necromancer  with  a  touch  of  his  wand." 

"  Is  Count  Bertrich  slain  then  ?  "  she  asked,  with  a 
shudder. 

"  No.  Yonder  he  stands  gazing  at  us,  seemingly  in 
hesitation  as  to  what  he  shall  do  next,  but  his  two 
followers  are  dead,  and  the  pride  of  Bertrich  encoun- 
tered a  shattering  fall  before  he  consented  to  let  us 
pass  him.  I  have  proven  myself  a  blundering  guide, 
otherwise  he  had  never  intercepted  us ;  but  defenders 
are  ever  at  hand  when  your  Ladyship  needs  them,  and 
I  trust  we  are  about  to  find  the  chief  of  them  within 
these  walls." 

**  Now  that  we  are  at  our  journey's  end,  I  am  op- 
pressed with  fear.  I  am  more  afraid  than  I  was  in 
grim  Cochem  itself,  for  I  like  not  the  look  of  this 
Captain  and  his  men." 

"  They  might  be  more  prepossessing,  it  is  true,  but 
we  should  not  judge  ha<itily  by  externals.  The  out- 
side of  Castle  Thuron  seems  forbidding  enough,  but 
no  doubt  a  warm  welcome  awaits  you  within.  Count 
Heinrich  has  to  hold  his  possessions  with  a  strong 
hand,  and  so  cannot  be  too  nice  in  the  selection  of 
those  who  are  to  do  his  work.  You  will  find  him,  I 
trust,  r.  true  nobleman  and  an  indulgent  relative." 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


137 


"  I  hope  so,"  said  the  girl,  with  a  sigh,  which  seemed 
to  indicate  that  she  looked  forward  to  the  meeting 
with  more  apprehension  than  she  had  yet  shown. 

The  Captain  sounded  a  bugle  that  hung  at  his  belt, 
and  the  gates  of  the  castle  were  thrown  open  in  re- 
sponse, allowing  the  cavalcade  to  enter  a  wide  stone, 
paved  courtyard.  There  was  none  in  authority  to 
meet  them,  which  was  not  strange,  as  no  news  of  their 
approach  could  possibly  have  yet  reached  the  strong- 
hold. The  gates  were  instantly  shut  behind  them, 
and  the  Captain,  flinging  himself  from  his  horse,  strode 
into  the  castle,  doubtless  to  acquaint  his  chief  with 
the  important  tidings  he  carried.  Rodolph  dis- 
mounted, assisted  the  Countess  to  dismount,  and 
then  all  stood  there  with  the  horsemen  surrounding 
them,  more  in  the  attitude  of  captives  than  of  welcome 
cruests. 

The  archer  gazed  about  him  with  much  nonchalance, 

'ihe  defences  of  the  place,  and  asked  questions  con- 
cerning them  from  some  of  the  servitors  and  men-at- 
arms  who  stood  silently  by,  regarding  the  newcomers 
with  looks  of  distrust,  answering  nothing.  Far  from 
being  nonplussed  by  the  scant  attention  paid  his 
queries,  he  strutted  round  in  high  good  humour,  as  if 
the  castle  were  his  own,  and  audibly  made  comments 
which  were  sometimes  far  from  complimentary. 

"  If  this  man,  Heinrich  the  Black,  has  a  head  on  his 
shoulders  somewhat  more  intelligent  than  those  of  his 
men-at-arms,  he  might  defend  the  place  with  reason- 
able success,  providing  he  was  amenable  to  advice  re- 
garding certain  additions  I  consider  necessary,  for  if 
the  attacking  party " 

"  Do  not  cheapen  your  advice,  archer,  by  tendering 
it  unasked,"  said  Rodolph,  somewhat  sternly,  "  and 
avoid  comment  until  you  have  made  the  acquaintance 
of  the  Count." 

"  Indeed  there  is  wisdom  in  that,"  replied  the 
archer,  unabashed,  "and  I  would  that  his  Lordship 
showed  greater  anxiety  to  receive  us  suitably,  for 
then   the  sooner  would   come  a  taste  of  his  hospi- 


!■■ 


138 


TEKLA. 


tality,  the  which  I  am  already  anxious  to  pass  opinion 
on. 

Further  conversation  was  prevented  by  the  return 
of  the  Captain,  who  curtly  informed  Rodolph  that 
Count  Heinricli  commanded  the  whole  party  to  be 
brought  before  him,  adding  with  a  malicious  leer  that 
he  bad  not  found  his  Lordship  so  anxious  for  the  meet- 
ing as  the  words  spoken  by  the  river  bank  had  led  him 
to  suppose. 

"  You  will  remain  in  your  saddles  until  further  or- 
ders," said  the  Captain  to  his  men,  a  behest  that  did 
little  to  reassure  the  Emperor. 

The  Countess  spoke  no  word,  although  her  pale  face 
showed  that  this  reception  was  scarcely  to  her  liking. 
They  all  followed  the  Captain,  who  led  them  along  a 
hall,  up  a  broad  stair,  and  through  a  doorway  into  a 
large  and  lofty  room,  where  half-a-dozen  men  sat  at  a 
table  with  drinking  flagons  before  them,  while  one 
strode  angrily  back  and  forward  across  the  floor ;  his 
place  at  the  head  of  the  table  was  empty  thus  indicat- 
ing that  he  was  the  Count,  although  Rodolph  needed 
no  such  token  to  aid  recognition. 

Count  Heinrich  was  more  than  six  feet  high,  and 
strongly  built.  His  massive  head  was  covered  with  a 
shock  of  jet  black  hair  ;  his  beard  and  fierce  moustache 
were  of  the  same  sombre  colour,  while  his  face  was  so 
swarthy  that  at  first  sight  one  doubted  if  the  man  had 
a  drop  of  3axon  blood  in  him.  He  seemed  more  like 
the  king  of  some  heathen  African  domain,  than  a 
nobleman  in  a  Christian  land.  His  piercing  eyes  lit 
up  his  dark  face,  and  a  glance  from  them  reminded 
Rodolph  of  a  flash  of  lightning  athwart  a  black  cloud. 
He  stopped  abruptly  in  his  march  as  those  summoned 
into  his  presence  entered,  and  roared  rather  than 
spoke : 

*'  Well,  madame,  wh  it  do  3^ou  here  in  Thuron?" 

The  Countess  had  taken  a  itep  or  two  in  advance 
of  he:  comrade:;,  but  paused  dumbfounded  at  the 
thunder  in  his  tone  and  the  savagery  of  the  face 
turned  upon  her. 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


139 


"  My  Lord — uncle,"  she  faltered  at  last,  "  I  am  here 
to  implore  your  protection." 

"Protection?"  shouted  Heinrich.  "Is  not  the 
Lion  of  Treves  able  to  protect  you  ?  It  is  his  duty, 
not  mine.  Why  does  he  send  you  journeying  with 
such  a  scurvy  escort  ?  " 

"  My  Lord,  if  you  will  permit  me  to  address  you  in 
private  I  will  inform  you  why " 

"  You  will  inform  me  here.  Have  you,  as  I  suspect, 
left  Treves  without  sanction  of  the  Archbishop  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  Lord." 

"Of  all  reckless  fools  a  woman —  Are  your  horse- 
men still  in  saddle  ?  "  he  cried,  abruptly,  to  Captain 
Steinmetz. 

"  They  are,  my  Lord." 

"  Well,  madame,  we  shall  repair  the  mischief  you 
have  done  as  speedily  as  horseflesh  may.  You  shall 
have  escort  to  do  you  honour,  but  must  make  your 
peace  with  the  Archbishop  as  best  you  can.  Take 
her  to  Cochem,  and  there  present  her  to  the  Arch- 
bishop, or,  in  his  absence,  to  the  officer  in  charge." 

"  Oh,  uncle,  uncle,"  cried  the  girl,  throwing  herself 
at  his  feet,  "  you  cannot  commit  such  a  crime.  Re- 
member, I  am  the  daughter  of  your  only  sister.  The 
Archbishop  commands  me  to  marry  the  Count  Ber- 
trich " 

"  And  a  most  proper  union.  It  is  his  right  to 
marry  you  to  whomsoever  pleases  him.  You  cannot 
gainsay  that.  Am  I  to  engage  in  war  with  Treves 
merely  because  you  do  not  fancy  Count  Bertrich  ?  It 
is  enough  that  one  of  my  line  is  a  fool.  I  am  none 
such." 

"  If  you  will  not  shelter  me,  let  me,  I  beseeo^i  you, 
pass  on  to  Frankfort  to  beg  protection  from  the  Em- 
peror. Although  you  have  the  right  to  refuse  hospi- 
tality you  have  no  right  to  take  me  prisoner  and  send 
me  back  to  Cochem." 

"That  shows  you  to  be  doubly  a  fool.  The  Em- 
peror has  gone  to  the  Holy  Land,  where  God  protect 
him,  and   were  he  at   Frai^.kfort  he  would  send  you 


•: 


{ 


I40 


TEKLA. 


back  to  Treves,  for  he  must  uphold  the  Feudal  law. 
The  Archbishop's  will  elected  him,  and  if  his  will  is  to 
be  void  regarding  a  fire-brand  like  you,  it  would  also  be 
void  regarding  the  Emperor's  own  elevation.  As  for 
my  right  to  prison  you,  I  have  what  rights  I  take, 
which  even  the  Archbishop  will  hesitate  to  question." 

"  My  Lord,  touching  the  Emperor,"  began  Rodolph, 
stepping  forward,  then  checking  himself,  hardly  know- 
ing how  to  continue. 

"Yes?  Touching  the  Emperor?  Are  you  em- 
powered to  speak  for  him  ?  Who  are  you,  sir,  and 
what  is  your  share  in  this  business?  " 

Black  Heinrich  had  calmed  perceptibly  as  the  col- 
loquy between  him  and  his  niece  went  on,  but  the  in- 
terpolation of  Rodolph  at  once  roused  him  to  fury 
again,  and  caused  him  to  turn  on  the  young  man  with 
blazing  eyes,    i 

"  I  am  a  namesake  of  the  Emperor,  Lord  Rodolph 
of  Frankfort,  and  I  am  further  his  most  intimate 
friend." 

"  Are  you  so  ?  Then  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.  You 
will  thus  make  all  the  more  acceptable  a  sacrifice  to 
Arnold  von  Isenberg,  who  likes  interference  as  little 
as  do  I,  whether  from  Emperor  or  serf.  Captain 
Steinmetz,  get  hither  your  hangman,  reeve  a  rope 
through  a  ring  on  the  river  front  of  the  castle,  and 
hang  me  this  fellow  so  that  the  Archbishop's  em- 
issaries will  see  him  dangling  as  they  come  up  to  in- 
quire respecting  this  enterprise." 

"  My  Lord,  I  would  like  a  word  with  you  in  private 
before  you  proceed  to  this  extremity." 

"  I  transact  my  business  publicly,  that  all  the  world 
may  see." 

"The  more  fool  you,"  returned  Rodolph,  stoutly. 
"  You  have  already  bandied  the  epithet,  therefore  I 
use  it.  The  Archbishop,  who  is  no  such  ranter,  but 
who  acts  while  you  sleep,  has  had  secret  spies  here  to 
note  your  weakness.  His  army  is  doubtless  now  on  its 
way  to  Thuron.  If  you  send  back  your  niece  he  will 
think  you  to  be  a  coward ;  he  already  holds  you  to  be 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


141 


a  liar,  and  will  believe  nothing  you  say  anent  this 
affair,  though  you  hang  your  whole  garrison  outside 
the  walls.  While  you  stand  babbling  there,  gloriously 
frightening  women  and  threatening  defenceless  men, 
he,  like  a  sane  warrior,  is  surrounding  you.  What  the 
Archbishop  thinks  of  your  innocence  in  this  matter  is 
shown  by  the  fact  that  Count  Bertrich  was  sent 
directly  to  Thuron,  and  met  us  almost  at  your  gates. 
Blood  has  already  been  shed,  and  two  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's men  lie  dead  within  sight  of  your  towers. 
Judge,  then,  of  your  childish  paltry  scheme  of  return- 
ing the  Countess  Tekla  to  Cochem.  He  knows  you  to 
be  a  knave,  and  will  think  you  poltroon  as  well,  and 
is  doubtless  right  in  both  estimates." 

Something  almost  resembling  a  ruddy  colour  came 
into  the  atramentous  face  of  Black  Heinrich  as  he 
listened  to  this  rating  of  himself  in  his  own  hall.  His 
jaws  came  together  with  a  snap,  and  as  the  tirade 
went  on,  his  bearded  lips  parted  and  showed  his  teeth 
like  a  white  line  across  his  face,  giving  him  an  expres- 
sion that  might  well  be  called  diabolical.  His  eyes 
nearly  closed,  and  his  breath  came  and  went  with  a 
hissing  sound.  He  stood  rigid  and  motionlc  s,  while 
on  the  faces  of  all  present  was  mute  amazement  at 
this  temerity  on  the  part  of  one  virtually  a  prisoner. 
When  Heinrich  spoke,  however,  his  former  loudness 
was  gone,  and  his  words  came  quiet  and  measured. 

"  You  are  not  wanting  in  courage,  therefore  will  I 
countermand  the  order  for  your  hanging,  and  cause 
your  head  to  be  struck  off  instead." 

"  Oh,  uncle,  uncle!  "  cried  the  horrified  girl.  "Do 
as  you  will  with  me,  but  he  is  guiltless  even  of  pre- 
vious knowledge  regarding  my  escape  from  Treves. 
It  is  his  misfortune,  not  his  fault,  that  he  is  here.  I 
implore  you "  * 

"  Steinmetz,  let  two  of  your  men  conduct  this  fel- 
low to  the  courtyard,  and  there  behead  him." 

The  captain  was  about  to  move  when  a  new  voice 
from  the  corner  of  the  apartment  broke  in  upon  the 
discussion. 


142 


TEKLA. 


"  May  I  ask  your  Blackness,"  said  the  archer,  "  to 
turn  your  mind  from  the  seeming  peril  of  my  Lord, 
to  the  much  more  certain  jeopardy  which  confronts 
yourself,  and  charge  the  heathen  who  obeys  you  to 
make  no  motion,  otherwise  shall  you  instantly  die. 
Without  boasting,  Henry  Schwart,  I  beg  to  acquaint 
you  with  the  fact  that  not  all  your  men  nor  the  sur- 
rounding of  your  strong  castle  can  save  your  life  if 
this  string  but  slip  my  finger.  I  have  killed  two  better 
men  than  you  to-day  when  they  were  charging  upon 
me  at  full  speed,  and  well  protected  with  armour ; 
judge  then  what  chance  you  have,  standing  there  a 
rank  temptation  to  an  honest  archer.  My  sure  arrow 
cares  not  a  jot  whether  it  pierces  the  heart  of  a  Count 
Palatine,  or  the  honest  if  stupid  brain  of  a  serf.  And 
now,  my  Lord  Rodolph,  the  life  of  his  Blackness  rests 
upon  your  lip^.  If  you  say  *  Let  fly'  I  kill  him  and 
whoever  stands  behind  him,  for  I  will  break  bow  if 
this  shaft  go  not  through  at  least  three  unarmoured 
men." 

"  It  is  as  the  archer  says,  my  Lord,"  said  Rodolph, 
"  and  his  expertness  with  his  weapon  is  something 
almost  beyond  belief,  as  your  own  men,  watching  from 
your  walls  a  while  since,  will  doubtless  testify.  I  beg 
that  you  make  equitable  terms  with  us,  for  I  assure 
your  Lordship  the  archer  is  more  to  be  feared  at  this 
moment  than  a  round  dozen  of  Archbishops.  I  ask 
you  to  pass  your  knightly  word,  and  to  swear  by  the 
three  Kings  of  Cologne  and  the  Holy  Coat  of  Treves, 
that  you  will  do  us  no  hurt,  but  allow  us  to  pass 
freely  on  to  Frankfort." 

The  Black  Count  glared  in  speechless  rage  at  the 
unwavering  archer,  and  made  no  reply,  but  one  of  the 
men  seated  behind  him  shifted  position  gingerly, 
speaking  as  he  did  so. 

"  It  is  no  shame  to  yield,  my  Lord,"  he  said.  **  I 
was  witness  to  the  bowman's  skill  and  saw  the  two 
men  unaccountably  fall  with  less  difference  in  time 
between  them  than  the  drawing  of  a  breath." 

The  Count  spoke  after  a  moment's  silence. 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


143 


"  If  I  respect  not  my  own  word,  the  swearing  on 
Kings  of  Cologne  or  Coat  of  Treves  will  not  make  me 
keep  it." 

"  I  will  take  your  word,  my  Lord,  so  that  it  includes 
us  all,  especially  the  archer,  and  stands  also  for  the 
good  conduct  of  your  men." 

*'  My  men  will  not  lay  finger  on  you  with  safe  con- 
duct from  me.  I  give  you,  then,  my  word  that  you 
pass  on  unscathed  to  Frankfort.     Does  that  suffice  ?  " 

"  It  does,  my  Lord.     Archer,  unbend  your  bow." 

The  archer,  with  a  sigh,  lowered  his  weapon,  but 
apparently  had  no  such  trust  as  Rodolph,  for  he  still 
kept  the  arrow  on  the  string.  Captain  Steinmetz 
looked  shrewdly  at  his  master,  as  if  inquiring  "  Does 
this  hold  ?"  but  he  met  only  a  lowering  frown  and  a 
sharp  command  to  betake  himself  to  the  courtyard 
and  disband  his  men. 

A  bugle  at  that  instant  sounded  outside,  and  the 
captain  presently  returned  to  announce  that  Count 
Bertrich  was  without,  and  demanded  instant  audience 
in  the  name  of  the  Archbishop  of  Treves. 

"  Demands,  does  he  ?  Let  him  wait  until  I  am 
ready  to  receive  him,"  replied  the  swarthy  Count. 
Then,  turning  to  a  servitor,  he  commanded  him  to  ask 
the  attendance  of  his  lady. 

Heinrich  continued  his  pacing  of  the  room,  which 
he  had  abandoned  when  the  Emperor  and  those  with 
him  had  entered.  Moodiness  sat  on  his  brow,  and  he 
spoke  to  none;  all  within  the  apartment  maintained 
silence.  Presently  there  entered,  dressed  in  deep 
black,  a  thin,  sallow  lady  of  dejected  appearance,  who 
probably  had  none  too  easy  or  pleasant  a  life  of  it  with 
her  masterful  husband. 

Heinrich  stood,  and  without  greeting  said: 

"  This  is  my  niece,  Tekla  of  Treves,  now  on  her  way 
to  Frankfort.  She  will  rest  here  to-night,  so  I  place 
her  in  your  care." 

When  the  ladies  had  departed  the  Count  ordered 
that  Conrad  and  the  archer  should  have  refreshment, 
then  turning  to  Rodolph,  he  said  : 


144 


TEKLA. 


"  As  the  visit  of  Count  Bertrich  may  have  connec- 
tion with  the  escapade  in  the  development  of  which 
you  have  no  doubt  ably  assisted,  I  request  you  to  re- 
main here  until  the  conference  is  ended,  as  your  testi- 
mony concerning  it  may  be  called  for." 

Rodolph  bowed  without  speaking.  ' 

"  Admit  Count  Bertrich,"  directed  the  master  of 
Thuron,  standing  with  his  great  knuckles  resting  on 
the  table,  ready  to  receive  his  warlike  visitor. 

Bertrich  strode  into  the  room  quite  evidently  fum- 
ing because  of  the  waiting  he  had  been  compelled  to 
undergo.  He  made  no  salutation,  but  spoke  in  a  loud 
voice,  plunging  directly  into  his  subject.  His  face 
was  pale,  but  otherwise  he  showed  no  sign  of  the 
rough  treatment  he  had  encountered.  Looking  neither 
to  the  right  nor  to  the  left,  but  straight  at  the  Black 
Count,  he  begah : 

"  Heinrich  of  Thuron,  I  bear  the  commands  of  my 
master  and  yours,  Arnold  von  Isenberg,  Lord  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves.  In  his  name  I  charge  you  to  repair 
instantly  to  Treves,  bearing  with  you  my  Lord's  ward, 
the  Countess  Tekla,  whom  you  have  treacherously  en- 
couraged and  assisted  in  setting  at  defiance  the  just 
will  of  his  Lordship.  You  are  also  to  bring  with  you 
as  prisoners  those  who  aided  her  flight,  and  deliver 
them  to  the  garrison  at  Cochem." 

The  eyes  of  Count  Heinrich  gleamed  ominously 
from  under  the  murky  brow. 

"  I  have  heard,"  he  said,  harshly.  "  Is  there  any- 
thing further  I  can  do  to  pleasure  his  Lordship?  " 

"You  are  to  make  public  apology  to  him  in  his 
Palace  at  Treves,  delivering  into  his  hands  the  keys  of 
Castle  Thuron,  and,  after  penance  and  submission 
have  been  duly  performed  and  rendered,  his  Lordship 
may,  in  his  clemency,  entrust  you  again  with  the  keep- 
ing  of  the  castle." 

*'  Does  the  category  end  so  lamely  ?  " 

"  I  await  your  answer  to  as  much  as  I  have  already 
cited." 

"The  Countess  Tekla  is  of  my  blood,  but  some- 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


145 


what  contaminated,  I  admit,  by  the  fact  that  her  father 
was  your  predecessor  in  the  Archbishop's  favour. 
She  was  Arnold's  ward,  betrothed  to  you,  his  menial. 
She  was  in  your  hands  at  the  capital  city  of  the  Arch- 
bishop, surrounded  by  spies  and  environed  by  troops. 
If  then  the  girl  has  the  wit  to  elude  you  all,  baffle 
pursuit,  and  arrive  unscathed  in  Thuron,  she  is  even 
more  my  relative  than  I  had  given  her  credit  for,  and 
now  the  chief  loser  in  the  game  comes  yelping  here  to 
me  like  a  whipped  spaniel,  crying  •  Give  her  up.'  God's 
wounds,  why  should  I  ?  She  will  but  trick  you  again, 
and  be  elsewhere  to  seek." 

"  I  demand  your  plain  answer,  yes  or  no,  to  be  given 
at  your  peril !  " 

"  There  is  no  peril  in  dealing  with  so  stupid  a  band 
as  that  at  Treves,  whose  head  a  simple  girl  may  cozen, 
and  whose  chief  warrior,  mounted  and  encased  in  iron, 
an  unarmoured  foot-soldier  can  overthrow.  By  the 
three  Kings,  you  strut  here  in  my  hall  with  jingling 
spurs  which  you  have  no  right  to  wear.  You  know  the 
rules  of  chivalry ;  give  up  your  horse,  your  armour 
and  your  sword  to  the  archer  who  rightfully  owns 
them,  having  won  them  in  fair  field.  When  thus  you 
have  purged  yourself  of  dishonesty,  I  will  lend  you  a 
horse  to  carry  my  answer  back  to  Treves,  which  is  as 
follows :  Tell  the  Archbishop  that  the  maiden  is  in 
my  castle  of  Thuron.  If  he  want  her,  let  him  come 
and  take  hei." 

The  colour  had  returned  in  more  than  its  usual  vol- 
ume to  the  pale  face  of  Count  Bertrich  as  he  listened 
to  this  contemptuous  speech,  but  he  made  no  reply 
until  he  had  withdrawn  the  gauntlet  from  his  hand ; 
then,  flinging  it  at  the  feet  of  the  Black  Count,  he 
cried : 

*'  There  lies  the  gauge  of  my  Lord  Archbishop  of 
Treves,  and  when  Thuron  Castle  is  blazing,  I  shall  beg 
of  his  Lordship  to  allow  me  to  superintend  the  hang- 
ing of  the  pirate  who  now  inhabits  it." 

Heinrich  threw  back  his  head  with  a  rasping  bark 
that  stood  him  in  place  of  a  laugh. 


146 


TEKLA. 


"  Indeed,  my  Lord,  you  have  the  true  hangman's 
favour,  and  I  marvel  not  the  girl  fled  from  you.  I  am, 
as  you  say,  somewhat  of  a  pirate,  but  with  more 
honesty  in  me  than  passes  current  in  Treves,  so  I  can- 
not lift  the  gauge  without  leave  of  its  real  owner. 
Steinmetz,  bring  here  the  archer  with  his  bow." 

When  the  wonder-stricken  archer  appeared,  grasping 
his  weapon,  his  mouth  full,  for  he  had  been  reluctantly 
haled  from  a  groaning  board,  he  looked  with  some  ap- 
prehension at  the  Black  Count,  expecting  a  recantation 
of  the  promise  wrung  from  him. 

"Archer,"  cried  Heinrich,  "there  lies  a  gauntlet 
which  is  yours  of  right.     I  ask  you  for  it." 

"  Indeed,  my  Lord,"  replied  the  archer,  hastily 
gulping  his  food  to  make  utterance  possible,  "  if  I 
have  aught  to  say  concerning  it,  it  is  yours  with  right 
good  will."         i 

"  Then  from  where  you  stand,  as  I  refused  your 
formal  proposal  to  judge  your  marksmanship,  pin  it 
for  me  to  the  floor." 

The  archer,  nothing  loath,  drew  bow,  and  with 
incredible  swiftness  shot  one  after  another  five  shafts 
that  pierced  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  ^ '  ^ve,  the  first 
arrow  still  quivering  while  the  last  struck  into  its 
place. 

For  the  only  time  that  day  the  dark  face  of  the 
Count  Palatine  lit  up,  in  radiant  admiration  of  the 
stout  foreigner  who  stood  with  a  smirk  of  self-satisfac- 
tion while  he  nodded  familiarly  to  Captain  Steinmetz 
as  who  would  say : 

"  You  see  what  would  have  happened  if " 

Count  Bertrich  regarded  him  with  wonder  in  his 
eyes,  then  pulling  a  purse  from  under  his  breast-plate, 
he  said : 

"  Archer,  I  am  in  your  debt  for  horse,  armour  and 
arms,  and  think  it  little  shame  to  confess  defeat  to 
one  so  skilful.  If  you  will  accept  this  gold  in  pay- 
ment, and  leave  me  steed  and  accoutrements,  I  shall 
hold  myself  still  your  debtor.  My  excuse  for  tardy 
payment  is  that  you  did  not  wait  to  claim  your  own." 


THE  BLACK  COUNT. 


147 


"  My  Lord,"  said  the  archer,  "  I  am  always  willing 
to  compound  in  gold  for  any  service  I  can  render,  and 
only  hope  to  have  another  opportunity  of  practising 
against  your  closed  helmet  with  arrows  which  I  shall 
shortly  make  a  trifle  thinner  in  the  shank  than  those 
I  used  to-day.  I  have  to  apologise  to  your  Lordship 
that  my  shafts  were  rather  too  thick  at  the  point  to 
give  complete  satisfaction  either  to  you  or  to  me." 

All  sign  of  levity  vanished  from  Count  Bertrich's 
face  as  he  turned  again  to  the  Black  Count. 

"  Although  the  exhibition  we  have  been  favoured 
with  is  interesting,"  he  said,  "  I  do  not  understand 
what  bearing  it  has  upon  the  point  we  were  discussing. 
Do  you  accept  challenge,  or  shall  I  intercede  with  my 
Lord  the  Archbishop  to  grant  you  the  terms  formerly 
recited  by  me?"  ,  ^ 

"  Tell  the  Archbishop  that  the  glove  has  been 
pinned  to  my  floor  by  five  shafts,  piercing  the  points 
of  its  five  members;  there  it  will  remain  until  his 
Lordship  contritely  enters  this  hall  on  his  knees  and 
pulls  them  out  with  his  teeth.  When  he  does  this 
and  delivers  up  Count  Bertrich  to  my  hangman  he 
shall  have  peace." 

Count  Bertrich,  again  without  salutation,  turned 
his  back  upon  the  company,  and  left  the  apartment 
while  the  archer  gazed  with  admiration  on  Black 
Heinrich,  whose  language  had  no  mincing  diplomacy 
about  it,  but  stood  stoutly  for  a  quarrel. 


<     I. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 


A   RELUCTANT   WELCOME. 


After  Count  Bertrich's  unceremonious  departure, 
Heinrich  stood  by  the  table  with  black  brows,  in  the 
attitude  of  one  who  listened  intently.  No  one  in  the 
room  moved  or  spoke,  and  in  the  silence  there  came 
from  the  courtyard  the  noise  of  horse's  hoofs  on  stone 
— first  the  irregular  stamping  of  an  animal  struck  or 
frightened  by  an  impatient  master,  then  the  rythmi- 
cal clatter  of  the  canter,  gradually  diminishing  until  it 
lapsed  beyond  the  hearing.  The  shutting  of  the 
gates  with  a  clang  seemed  to  arouse  the  master  of 
Thuron.  He  drew  a  deep  breath  and  glared  about 
him  fiercely,  like  a  man  ill-pleased,  but  determined. 

"  Steinmetz,"  he  said,  gruffly,  "  have  you  three 
men  who  can  be  trusted  ?  " 

"  I  should  hope,  my  Lord,  that  we  have  many." 

"  Are  you  sure  of  three?  " 

"Yes,  my  Lord." 

"  Then  send  them  with  money — no,  I  will  not 
tempt  the  dogs.  Let  one  on  horseback  cross  the 
river,  and  scour  the  region  round  Munster-Maifield, 
telling  each  peasant  to  bring  to  Thuron  all  the  grain 
he  has  to  sell.  Announce  that  I  will  pay  for  wheat 
delivered  here  at  once,  a  trifle  higher  than  the  market 
price." 

"  Indeed,  my  Lord,"  said  Steinmetz,  "  it  will  not  be 
believed ;  better  trust  your  men  with  the  money — if 
you  really  intend  to  pay." 

"  Tell  the  peasants  that  all  who  bring  in  grain 
to-morrow  will  be  paid,  and  fair  weight  allowed.  Say 
that  I  will  in  person  visit  those  who  do  not  respond, 
accompanied    by  a    troop  of    horse,  and  take  then 


A  RELUCTANT  WELCOME. 


149 


what  pleases  me  without  payment.  See  that  no  word 
slips  out  about  the  coming  of  the  Archbishop. 
Another  horseman  is  to  go  eastward  and  treat  on  our 
side  of  the  river  in  the  same  way.  Let  the  third  ride 
up  the  Moselle  and  collect  wine  on  similar  terms. 
To-morrow  it  is  bought  ;  next  day  it  is  taken." 

"  The  sun  is  already  set,  my  Lord.  The  men  cannot 
go  far  to-night.     Might  it  not  be  better " 

"Steinmetz,  I  spoke  of  hanging  to-day,  and  I  am 
still  in  the  mood  for  it.  If  you  do  not  listen  silently 
and  act  promptly  and  accomplish  effectually,  you 
shall  dangle.  The  three  men  you  despatch  must 
be  in  the  saddle  all  night,  returning  here  by  sunrise, 
with  a  full  account  of  what  we  may  expect.  They 
will  be  the  surer  of  finding  the  peasants  at  home  from 
now  till  cock-crow.  If  my  vaults  are  not  full  to-morrow 
at  this  hour,  some  one's  soul  goes  to  Purgatory. 
Arrange  as  best  pleases  you,  and  account  to  me 
twenty-four  hours  hence.  I  shall  myself  superintend 
the  intake,  and  will  know  how  to  deal  with  you  if  it 
is  insufficient." 

Steinmetz  looked  with  evil  eye  at  his  imperious 
master,  but  left  the  room  in  silence  and  haste,  to 
make  the  best  of  a  dangerous  commission. 

Heinrich  turned  to  Rodolph,  and  was  about  to 
address  him  when  the  archer,  who  had  been  uneasily 
awaiting  a  chance  to  attract  attention,  clearing  his 
throat  emphatically  and  often,  with  little  result,  spoke 
up. 

*'  My  Lord,  I  am  pleased  to  see  that  you  so 
thoroughly  understand  the  first  requisite  of  a  good 
captain,  the  which  is  to  attend  properly  to  the  vict- 
ualling of  his  garrison,  but  I  was  somewhat  hastily 
removed  from  a  full  board  at  which  I  had  hardly 
seated  myself,  leaving  in  my  hurry  to  wait  on  your 
highness,  a  full  tankard  of  wine,  which  I  would  fain 
return  to.     Therefore,  my  Lord " 

"  In  the  Fiend's  name,  do  so ! "  cried  Heinrich,  who 
with  wrinkled  brow  had  at  last  comprehended  his 
guest's  volubility,  whereupon   the  archer  waited   no 


ISO 


TEKLA. 


further  permission  but  took  himseK  off  with  a  celerity 
which  caused  nore  than  one  smile  to  brighten  the 
anxious  faces  in  the  room. 

"  You  are  doubtless  as  hungry  as  your  man-at- 
arms,"  said  Heinrich,  turning  to  Rodolph,  **  but  will 
possibly  pardon  the  necessity  that  intervened  be- 
tween you  and  the  board." 

'*  Indeed,  my  Lord,  I  care  little  for  food  to-night, 
being  more  in  need  of  rest,  and,  if  I  have  your  leave, 
would  be  glad  to  get  sight  of  bed,  especially  as  I 
hold  it  necessary  to  be  early  astir  to-morrow,  if  we 
are  to  make  Frankfort  before  nightfall." 

**  It  is  not  my  intention  that  you  go  to  Frankfort ; 
I  have  cnanged  my  mind.  It  will  profit  my  niece 
nothing  to  go  to  Frankfort,  for  even  if  the  Emperor 
were  there,  he  is  nothing  but  a  hare-brained  fool." 

*'  I  most  emphatically  agree  with  your  estimate  of 
him,  my  Lord.' 

"  I  thought  you  were  a  friend  of  his?  " 

"  I  am,  and  therefore  know  him  well,  and  so  with 
easy  conscience  can  perform  the  part  of  candid  friend 
and  amply  corroborate  what  you  say  concerning  him." 

"  I  know  him  not,  and  judge  him  but  by  hearsay. 
He  is  a  foreigner  and  no  true  German,  and  was 
elected  by  the  two  Archbishops  for  their  own  purposes 
and  cannot  therefore  be  either  a  fighter  or  a  man  of 
brains.     He  lacks  wisdom,  think  you  ?  " 

"  He  has  no  more  wisdom,  my  Lord,  than  I,  who 
mix  with  other  people's  quarrels  and  get  scant  thanks 
for  my  pains." 

"  A  man  can  scarcely  be  expected  to  give  thanks 
when  he  finds  that  others  have  arranged  a  war  for  him 
without  his  knowledge  or  sanction." 

"  That  is  very  true,  my  Lord,  and  consequently  I 
expect  no  thanks  from  the  Archbishop,  who  thus  finds 
his  hand  prematurely  forced,  and  timely  warning 
given  to  the  redoubtable  Count  Heinrich.  His  secret 
preparations  against  you  are  thus  unmasked,  and  I 
can  well  understand  his  rage  thereat." 

The  Black  Count  scowled   darkly  at   the  younger 


A  RELUCTANT  WELCOME. 


151 


man,  and  seemed  unable  to  measure  accurately  his  ap- 
parent frankness,  feeling  the  awkwardness  of  an  un- 
ready man  in  the  polished  presence  of  a  courtier,  and 
resenting  the  feeling. 

'*  That  was  not  my  meaning,"  he  said,  curtly. 

"  I  am  under  little  obligation  to  the  Archbishop, 
and  therefore  tell  you  frankly  that  I  believe  it  was 
his  intention  to  attack  you  later,  and  catch  you  una- 
ware. I  was  confirmed  in  this  belief  by  some  remarks 
dropped  by  the  custodian  of  Cochem  castle.  He  told 
me  the  Archbishop  had  lately  sent  two  spies  secretly, 
to  find  out  all  there  was  to  learn  regarding  your 
defences.  They  did  so,  and  reported  to  his  pious  and 
crafty  Lordship." 

"  Did  the  custodian  say  Arnold  intended  an  at- 
tack ?  " 

"  Had  he  said  so,  then  would  I  have  surmised  you 
were  free  from  danger.  On  the  contrary,  he  said  the 
Archbishop  had  thought  better  of  it ;  but  knowing 
the  devious  ways  of  the  Elector,  I  am  convinced  he  was 
making  secret  preparations  for  your  downfall.  He  is 
not  a  man  to  wear  his  plans  upon  his  robes  of  ofifice. 
Imagine  then  his  present  rage  at  finding  himself  un- 
accountably forestalled,  for  nothing  on  earth  will  per- 
suade him  the  flight  of  the  Countess  is  not  all  your 
doing.  He  is  taken  unprepared.  His  troops  are  some 
days'  hard  marching  from  Thuron,  and  when  they 
come,  they  find  the  land  has  already  been  scoured  ; 
that  you  have  collected  in  your  cellars  all  the  meat 
and  drink  there  is  in  the  region  round  about,  so  there- 
fore must  he  sustain  his  army  from  a  distance  and  at 
increased  labour  and  cost.  Instead  of  secretly  encir- 
cling your  castle  with  an  army,  as  if  he  called  his  troops 
by  magic  from  the  ground,  and  driving  back  your 
foragers  on  a  half  empty  larder,  he  comes  upon  you 
well  stocked  and  waiting  for  him.  Instead  of  the 
haughty  Bertrich  giving  you  his  ultimatum  with  a 
company  at  his  back,  and  the  white  tents  of  Treves 
gleaming  over  the  green  landscape,  the  envoy  goes 
back  on  the  horse  of  one  of  his  own  slain  men.  himself 


"H" 


■IP 


/» 


i5« 


TEKLA. 


K 


compelled  to  compound  with  an  unknown  foot-soldier 
for  his  forfeited  accoutrements,  and  that  in  the  hall  of 
his  enemy,  under  the  taunts  of  the  master  of  Thuron 
and  the  scornful  gaze  of  his  nobles.  He  returns  to 
Treves  an  overthrown  man  with  good  assurance  that 
Heinrich  of  Thuron  cares  not  one  trooper's  oath  for 
either  the  Archbishop  or  himself.  Therefoi ,,  my 
Lord,  you  have  right  valid  reason  for  thanking  the 
Countess  Tekla  and  myself,  although  I  m.ust  own  that 
some  short  time  since,  you  gave  but  small  token  of 
your  gratitude." 

Heinrich  regarded  the  young  man  as  he  spoke  with 
a  look  of  piercing  intentness,  tinctured  with  suspicion. 
As  the  recital  went  on  and  he  began  to  see  mare 
clearly  in  what  light  his  actions  would  go  abroad,  and 
how  he  stood  in  relation  with  the  Archbishop,  he 
drew  himself  proudly  up,  the  smell  of  coming  battle 
seeming  to  thrill  his  nostrils.  Nevertheless  there 
was  rarely  absent  from  his  penetrating  gaze  the 
indication  of  slumbering  distrust,  with  which  a  man 
uncouth  and  rough  of  tongue,  usually  listens  to  one 
of  opposite  qualities,  for  here  before  him  was  a  puzzle  ; 
a  man  who  appare.itly  did  not  fear  him,  who  spoke 
smoothly  and  even  flatteringly,  yet  who,  in  a  manner, 
looked  down  upon  him  as  if  he  were  inferior  clay. 
He  had  this  young  man  entirely  in  his  power,  yet  the 
position  might  have  been  reversed  for  all  the  com- 
fort it  gave  the  Black  Count. 

"  I  am  not  sure  but  you  have  some  qualities  of  a 
great  commander,"  said  Heinrich,  a  compliment  which 
although  perhaps  reluctantly  given,  the  nobleman 
recalled  in  after  life  as  a  proof  of  his  own  foresight, 
when  Rodolph  had  become  in  the  estimation  of  all 
Europe  the  most  notable  Emperor  Germany  had  ever 
seen. 

The  young  man  laughed. 

"  I  am  scarcely  in  physical  condition  to  do  justice 
to  whatever  qualities  I  may  possess,  for  these  two 
nights  past  I  have  had  more  fatigue  than  sleep." 

His   entertainer,    however,  did   not  take  the  hint. 


A  RELUCTANT  WELCOME. 


153 


His  brow  was  knitted  in  deep  thought.     At  last  he 
said,  with  a  return  to  scepticism  to  his  eyes : 

"  You  spoke  of  being  at  Cochem.  What  did  you 
there  ?    Were  you  the  guest  of  the  Archbishop  ?  " 

"  In  a  manner.  A  guest  without  his  knowledge. 
The  Countess  and  her  party  enjoyed  the  hospitality 
of  Cochem  last  night." 

"You  amaze  me.  In  your  flight  from  Treves  had 
you  the  actual  temerity  to  make  a  hostel  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's own  palace  ?  " 

Again  the  Emperor  laughed. 

"  It  was  not  our  intention  to  do  so,  but  hospitality 
was  forced  upon  us.  At  Bruttig  I  was,  with  some  re- 
luctance, compelled  to  slit  the  throat  of  Beilstein's 
captain  in  defence  of  the  Countess,  and,  in  the  mfel^e 
that  followed,  I  had  to  proclaim  the  quality  of  the 
lady  and  demand  protection  from  the  Archbishop's 
troops  there  stationed.  They  conducted  us  to  Cochem, 
and  the  Countess  was  received  by  the  custodian  of  the 
castle  there  with  a  courtesy  which  seems  to  be  entirely 
absent  from  such  ceremonies  further  down  the  Moselle." 

The  Black  Count  grunted  and  the  expression  on  his 
countenance  was  not  pleasing  to  look  upon.  How- 
ever, he  did  not  pursue  the  subject,  but  called  to  an 
aged  waiting  servant  and  said  : 

"  Conduct  Lord  Rodolph  to  the  round  guest-cham- 
ber." 

"  With  your  Lordship's  permission,"  said  Rodolph, 
"  I  would  crave  a  word  with  the  Countess  Tekla. 
She  has  had  recent  trying  experiences,  and  after  the 
tension  may  come  relapse.  I  would  fain  speak  en- 
couragingly to  her,  if  you  make  no  objection." 

Heinrich  threw  back  his  lion  head  and  laughed 
hoarsely. 

"  Objection  of  mine  comes  rather  tardily.  An  un- 
married woman  who  throws  herself  into  the  arms  of 
the  first  chevalier  who  presents  himself,  and  journeys 
with  him  night  and  day  across  the  country,  has  no 
reputation  left  for  me  to  protect.  See  her  when  you 
will  for  aught  of  me." 


r« 


154 


TEKLA. 


Rodolph  reddened,  and  his  lips  came  tightly  to- 
gether. 

"  My  Lord,"  he  said,  slowly,  "  I  have  already  in- 
formed you  that  I  slit  the  throat  of  a  man  who  spoke 
less  slightingly  of  her  Ladyship  than  you  have  this 
moment  done,  and,  from  what  I  saw  of  him.  he  was 
as  brave  a  warrior  as  you,  and  had  the  advantage 
of  being  surrounded  by  a  larger  following.  Yet  he 
lies  buried  in  Bruttig." 

"  We  have  had  this  trick  performed  to-day  already 
by  the  archer,  and  it  is  now  stale.  Push  me  not 
too  often  to  the  w^all,  for  I  am  an  impatient  man, 
and  some  one  is  like  to  get  hurt  by  it.  I  say  noth- 
ing  against  the  girl ;  she  is  my  niece  and  if  any  one 
draw  sword  for  her  it  should  be  me."  Then  to  the 
aged  servitor  who  still  stood  waiting,  he  cried : 

"  Take  him  to  my  lady's  portion  of  the  castle,  and 
after,  to  the  round  guest-chamber." 

Rodolph  followed  the  servant,  who  shuffled  on 
before  him  through  various  passages,  and  at  last  came 
tO  a  small  door  where  he  knocked.  It  was  opened  by 
an  old  woman,  who,  after  explanation,  conducted  the 
young  man  through  several  small  rooms,  in  the  first 
of  which  the  manservant  awaited  the  Emperor's  re- 
turn. This  suite  of  rooms  looked  out  on  a  courtyard 
overshadowed  by  one  of  the  tall  round  towers  of  the 
castle,  and  in  the  courtyard  there  had  been  an  attempt 
at  gardening,  unattended  with  marked  success.  The 
further  room  of  the  series  was  larger  than  any  of  the 
others,  and  was  furnished  less  rudely  than  the  huge 
apartment  in  which  the  Black  Count  and  his  men 
were  gathered. 

The  sallow  wife  of  Heinrich  sat  at  a  table  near  one 
of  the  windows  and  was  gazing  silently  out  on  the 
courtyard.  The  Countess  Tekla  sat  also  by  the  table 
with  her  arms  spread  upon  it  and  her  head  resting, 
face  downward,  upon  them.  Hilda  had  a  bench  to 
herself  in  a  corner  of  the  room,  and  it  was  evident 
that  all  three  women  had  been  weeping  in  a  common 
misery.      The  Countess   Heinrich   gave   Rodolph    a 


A  RELUCTANT  WELCOME. 


155 


timid,  almost  inaudible  greeting,  and  when  Tekla 
raised  her  head  at  the  slight  sound,  she  sprang  to  her 
feet  on  seeing  who  had  entered,  undisguised  joy  in 
her  wet  eyes. 

"  Oh  Lord  Rodolph  !  "  she  cried,  but  could  get  no 
Jurthen  -     —     

The  Emperor  took  her  unresisting  hand  and  raised 
it  to  his  lips.  ' 

"  I  have  come,  my  Lady  Tekla,"  he  said,  with  a 
smile,  "to  congratulate  you  on  the  successful  accom- 
plishment of  your  dangerous  journey." 

**  Successful !  "  she  cried.  "  Yes,  successful  as  far 
as  you  could  make  it  so,  and  most  sincerely  do  I  thank 
you.  But  cannot  we  leave  for  Frankfort  to-night  ?  I 
am  now  rested,  and  eager  to  be  quit  of  this  inhospit- 
able dungeon.     I  would  rather  be  in  the  forest  with 

you "  then   adding   in    some   confusion,  realising 

what  she  had  said  in  her  zeal  to  set  off  without  delay, 
**  and  Conrad,  and  Hilda,  than  to  stay  longer  in 
Thuron." 

**  In  that  you  would  do  grave  injustice  to  your  val- 
iant uncle,  who  but  now  has  said  he  would  be  first  to 
draw  sword  for  your  defence.  No,  Bertrich  has  re- 
turned empty-handed  as  he  came,  unless  a  bold  de- 
fiance of  the  Archbishop  from  Heinrich  of  Thuron  be 
considered,  which  he  takes  with  him  to  Treves.  The 
Emperor,  as  Heinrich  truly  says,  is  not  at  Frankfort, 
so  a  journey  thence  might  be  ill-timed.  Your  uncle 
freely  extends  to  you  the  shelter  and  protection  of 
Thuron.  I  must  own  to  having  formed  an  admiration 
for  the  man,  although  at  first  my  feeling  tended  rather 
in  the  opposite  direction.  But  it  must  not  be  for- 
gotten on  his  behalf  that  our  coming  was  unexpected, 
and  he  can  scarcely  be  blamed  if,  like  a  spirited  horse, 
he  shied  at  first." 

"  He  is  a  good  man,"  said  the  Countess  of  Thuron, 
mildly,  '*  if  he  be  not  crossed.  He  will  brook  no  in- 
terference." 

•'  Then  we  stay  in  Thuron  !  "  cried  Tekla,  in  amaze- 
ment. 


mma 


156 


TEKLA. 


^t 


K 


••  It  is  your  uncle's  wish." 

"And  what  of  the  Archbishop?  Will  he  attack, 
think  you  ?  " 

"  Of  that  I  have  grave  doubts.  Arnold  is  above  all 
things  a  cautious  man,  and  if  one  were  sure  what  any 
other  would  do,  one  might  guess  that  the  Archbishop 
would  act  the  contrary.  I  think  he  will  attack,  but 
my  thinking  so  quite  prepares  me  for  the  opposite. 
In  any  case,  Lady  Tekla,  you  have  nothing  further  to 
fear  from  Count  Bertrich,  for  your  uncle  seems  to 
hold  him  in  less  fear  than  you  do  yourself." 

"  Thank  God  for  that !  "  said  the  Countess,  fervently, 
with  an  involuntary  shudder.  She  stole  a  furtive 
glance  at  the  young  man  before  her.  •*  Do  you  depart 
from  Thuron  on  the  morrow?"  3he  asked,  in  a  low 
voice. 

"  That  rests  largely  with  Count  Heinrich — and— 
and  with  you.  If  you  desire  my  presence,  or  my 
absence,  I  shall  endeavour  to  fulfil  your  wish." 

"  Your  own  affairs  will  not  be  bettered  by  your  ab- 
sence from  them  I  fear." 

"  Indeed,"  said  Rodolph,  with  a  laugh,  "  I  doubt  if 
it  will  make  great  difference  either  way." 

"  If  that  is  truly  the  case,  I  would  be — I  think  my 
uncle  will  need  all  the  stout  hearts  he  can  muster 
round  him." 

"  My  own  wish  is  to  stay.  But  we  will  see  what 
the  morrow  brings.  Meanwhile,  you  are  tired,  and 
little  wonder.  I  wish  you  good  rest,  and  I  am  sure 
you  may  sleep  in  serene  peace  of  mind,  for  your 
troubles  are  at  an  end." 

With  that  he  took  leave  of  her,  sighing  to  think 
they  were  no  longer  alone  together,  he  her  sole  pro- 
tector, and  so  it  may  have  chanced  that  his  eyes  spoke 
what  his  lips  dare  not  utter,  but  if  this  were  the  case 
Tekla  had  no  censure  for  him,  but  sighed  in  company, 
though  so  lightly  he  did  not  hear  as  he  turned  away. 

The  ancient  man,  who  was  patiently  waiting  for 
him,  had  now  a  torch  in  his  hand,  which  he  lighted 
when  he  came  to  the  courtyard,  applying  it  to  another 


A  RELUCTANT  WELCOME. 


157 


that  flared  in  an  iron  receptacle  fastened  to  the  stone 
wall.  He  led  the  way  to  one  of  the  round  towers, 
and  climbed  slowly  up  a  narrow  stone  stair,  passing 
several  doors,  but  stopping  at  none  until  he  seemed 
to  have  reached  the  top.  Then,  resting  his  torch  in 
an  iron  holder,  he,  with  much  effort,  drew  back  heavy 
bolts  and  threw  open  the  door.  The  torch  lighted  a 
round  chamber  in  which  were  three  narrow  windows 
in  the  thick  stone,  wide  at  the  inner  surface  of  the 
wall,  but  narrowing  to  a  mere  slit,  with  scarce  room 
for  a  man's  hand  to  penetrate  to  the  outer  air.  A 
pallet  of  straw  lay  by  the  wall  furthest  from  the  door, 
and  there  was  in  the  room  a  rude  table,  and  a  ruder 
bench.  The  old  servant  placed  the  burning  torch 
within  the  room,  and  muttering  a  good-night,  with- 
drew, closing  the  door  after  him.  A  moment  later 
Rodolph  heard  the  bolts  being  shot  into  their  places. 
He  cried  aloud,  beating  the  stout  oaken  panels  with 
the  hilt  of  his  rapier. 

"  Here,  fellow.  You  are  exceeding  your  instruc- 
tions. The  Count  said  nothing  of  my  being  barred 
in.     I  am  no  prisoner,  but  a  guest." 

But  the  old  man  did  not  draw  the  bolts. 

"The  instructions  ever  follow  the  order  given. 
Take  him  to  the  round  guest-chamber,  says  my  Lord, 
which  means  also,  bolt  him  in  there. " 

Again  Rodolph  loudly  protested,  but  the  shuffling 
steps  of  his  guide  echoed  hollow  from  the  circular 
stair.  The  Emperor,  when  the  last  sound  had  ceased, 
threw  himself,  dressed  as  he  was,  on  the  straw,  and  an 
instant  later  was  sound  asleep. 


i  h 


f/r' 


■r\ 


V  I 


CHAPTER   XV. 
CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  FULL  MEAL. 

The  sun,  shining  through  one  of  the  narrow  slits  in 
the  circular  wall,  striking  on  Rodolph's  face,  woke  him 
next  morning,  and  when  he  sat  on  his  straw  pallet  he 
saw  that  the  door  had  been  unbarred  and  thrown 
partly  open.  He  walked  down  into  the  quiet  court- 
yard, with  its  neglected  garden,  and  glanced  up  at  the 
windows  of  t^he  suite  of  rooms  which  the  women  of 
the  castle  inh^abited,  but  saw  no  signs  of  any  of  them. 
Passing  through  a  hall  he  entered  the  outer  courtyard, 
where  the  day  before  he  had  dismounted  after  his 
journey.  The  gates  were  wide  apart,  and  the  court- 
yard itself  looked  like  a  city  market-place.  The  scene 
was  one  of  hurry  and  animation.  The  enclosure  was 
filled  with  rude  carts,  and  with  lowing  cows  and  oxen 
that  had  drawn  them,  steaming  after  the  exertion  of 
dragging  their  heavy  loads  up  the  steep  hill.  A  pro- 
cession of  others,  waiting  their  turn,  extended  through 
the  gateway  and  along  the  hillside  road  that  led  to  it. 
The  Black  Count  himself  superintended  the  intake  of 
sacks  of  grain  and  casks  of  wine,  estimating  rather 
than  accurately  measurir-^-Vrir  value,  and  paying  with 
his  own  hand  for  what  was  thus  brought  to  his  doors. 
Count  Heinrich,  like  many  other  nobles  of  his  time, 
had  the  right  to  coin  gold  and  silver,  and  his  mint- 
master  had  been  busy  all  night  striking  off  pieces  of 
different  sizes,  each  with  a  rude  effigy  of  the  Count  on 
one  face  of  the  coin,  and  its  value  in  Roman  numerals 
on  the  other. 

Heinrich  seemed  to  be  driving  generous  bargains, 
loudly  demanding  what  the  owner  thought  his  contribu- 
tion worth,  and  when  the  sum  was  tremblingly  named, 


•       CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.      159 

giving  often  more  than  was  asked,  but  never  less.    He 
acted  like  a  man  who  had  long  defied  public  opinion, 
but  who  now,  for  reasons  of   his  own,   preferred   to 
court  it,  not  knowing  how  soon  he  might  be  in  some 
measure   dependent  upon  it.     Rodolph  learned  that 
before  midnight  the  wine  from  the  upper  valley  had 
begun  to  come  in,  and  that  the  Count,  having  been  in 
council  *vith  his  captains  until  that  hour,   had  gone 
forth  to  make  payment  by  torchlight,  while  his  mint- 
master  sent  him  from  the  cellars  of  the  castle,  bags  of 
currency   still   warm    from   the     crucible.      Heinrich 
showed  no  sign  of  fatigue,  but  was  as  alert   as  any, 
standing  on  the  stone  steps  that  led  to  the  castle  door, 
a  he?.d  or  more  above  the  throng,  while  two  secreta- 
ries counted  out  the  sums  he  demanded  and  handed 
them  to  him  from  the  bags  at  his  feet.     His  eagle  eye 
covered  the  whole  scene,  and  now  and  then  when  the 
incomers   and   outgoers    became   jammed   in   an   ap- 
parently indissolvable  tangle,  wheels  interlocking,  and 
goads  falling  ineffectually  on  the  patient  backs  of  the 
cattle,  the  Count  with  stentorian  voice  and  eloquent 
gesture  would  command  one  to  back  here,  another  to 
go  forward  there,  whereupon  the  knot  would  be  speed- 
ily unloosed  and  the  business  go  forward  as  it  should. 
If  the  stout  Heinrich  had  little  mercy  on  himself  he 
had  none  at  all  on  his  servitors.     Panting  men  strug- 
gled with  heavy  sacks   on  their  backs,   disappearing 
through   the   open   archway  that   led   to  the  cellars, 
emerging  empty  handed,  drawing  sleeve  across  sweat- 
ing brow,  to  bend  back  instantly  under  a  fresh  burden 
and    return.      Full    casks   of   wine   were    rolled   and 
lowered  out  of  sight,  as  if  the  castle  were  some  huge 
open-jawed  monster  who  was  swallowing  a   gigantic 
meal  with  little  sign  of  repletion.     Did  a  man  pause 
but  a  moment  to  fill  his  lungs  with  the  fresh  morning 
air,  the  all-encompassing  eye  of  the  master  had  singled 
him  out  and  a  roar  of  rage  made  all   within   hearing 
tremble.      It  was  evident  that   peasant  and  servitor 
alike,  officer  and  foot  soldier,  were  in  deadly  terror  of 
the  Black  Count 


HB 


i6o 


TEKLA. 


Rodolph  made  his  way  up  to  the  battlements  and 
looked  down  on  this  stirring  scene.  Then  he  walked 
along  the  walls  to  gain  some  idea  of  the  castle's 
strength  and  situation.  There  was  a  broad  level 
promenade  parallel  to  the  river  front,  protected  by  a 
strong  machicolated  parapet.  The  promenade  ran 
due  north  and  south,  and  was  nearly  a  hundred  yards 
in  length.  At  each  end  of  the  castle,  but  some  dis- 
tance back  from  the  front,  rose  a  round  tower,  the 
north  tower  being  slightly  lower  than  its  brother. 
Behind  the  north  tower  was  a  precipitous  wooded  cliff 
falling  steeply  down  to  the  little  river  Thaurand.  The 
northern,  eastern,  and  southern  sides  of  the  slope,  at 
the  top  of  which  the  castle  stood,  were  densely 
wooded.  The  western  slope,  descending  some  hun- 
dreds of  feet  to  the  Moselle,  was  covered  with  vines, 
through  which,  beginning  near  the  northern  end  of  the 
stronghold,  ran  at  steep  incline  the  stout  wall  that 
ended  at  the  river,  carrying  on  its  back  here  and  there 
a  stumpy  square  stone  guard-house.  Clustered  at  the 
foot  of  this  wall,  and  stretching  along  the  edge  of  the 
Moselle,  lay  the  small  village  of  Aiken,  over  which 
was  thrown  the  dark  shadow  of  the  Black  Count's 
castle.  Beyond  it  flowed  the  broad  smooth  river, 
placid  as  a  sheet  of  glass,  reflecting,  far  down,  the 
forest-covered  hills  of  its  western  bank. 

At  the  junction  of  the  hollow  river  wall  with  the 
castle,  there  stood  on  the  terrace,  at  either  side  of  the 
up-springing  causeway,  a  huge,  clumsy  catapult,  one 
commanding  the  northern  face  of  the  wall  coming  up 
from  the  river,  the  other  the  southern  side.  Here  and 
there,  at  the  edge  of  the  promenade  furthest  from  the 
parapet,  were  piled,  with  some  attempt  at  symmetry, 
many  hundreds  of  round  pieces  of  granite,  each  con- 
siderably larger  than  a  man's  head,  and  each  weighing 
as  much  as  a  man  might  care  to  lift.  These  spheres 
were  ammunition  for  the  catapult,  and  Rodolph  saw 
that  the  Count  appreciated  not  only  the  necessity  of 
guarding  his  way  to  the  river,  but  also  the  difficulty 
the    Archbishop's    men   would    find,  in   the   face   of 


CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.      i6i 


hurling  granite,  to  force  a  breach  in  the  stonework. 
All  in  all,  Arnold  had  a  hard  nut  to  crack  in  Castle 
Thuron,  defended  as  it  was  by  a  man  of  resource  and 
resolute  determination. 

On  the  opposite  shore  of  the  river  Rodolph  saw 
collected  many  ox-carts,  while  the  three  boats  which 
the  day  before  had  been  drawn  up  on  the  bank  at 
Aiken,  were  busy  ferrying  over  the  produce  brought 
by  the  carts.  Sturdy  villagers  with  bags  on  their 
backs  were  slowly  plodding  up  the  hill  to  the  castle, 
ignoring  the  zig-zag  road,  and  coming  steeply  and 
straight  up  the  lanes  between  the  rows  of  vines. 

As  Rodolph  leaned  against  the  stone  parapet  watch- 
ing the  villagers  crawling  like  laden  ants  up  the 
slopes,  he  was  accosted  by  the  cheery  voice  of  the 
English  archer. 

"  I  hope  you  have  slept  well,  my  Lord,"  he  said. 

"  Excellently.     And  you  ?  " 

"  Never  better.  With  the  blue  sky  above  me  and 
my  mind  at  peace  with  all  the  world  ;  a  bed  of  moss 
and  a  sloping  hillside,  that  the  water  may  speedily 
run  away  should  a  shower  come  on,  no  man  can  ask 
for  better  resting-place." 

"  Good  Heaven  !  The  Count  did  not  turn  you  thus 
inhospitably  adrift  on  the  landscape  surely  ?  He  has 
roof  enough  and  room  enough  to  give  you  some 
choice  of  a  sleeping  chamber." 

"  Oh,  the  Count's  intentions  were  doubtless  fair 
enough  ;  I  make  no  complaint  of  his  Blackness.  That 
he  is  uncivilised  and  knows  nothing  of  the  courtesy 
that  pertains  to  a  guest,  is  the  fault  of  his  upbringing 
and  should  not  be  justly  charged  against  him.  I  was 
taken  to  a  dark  vault  and  barred  in,  the  which  I 
never  can  put  up  with,  unless  I  am  a  legal  prisoner, 
and  even  then  only  if  it  fall  in  with  my  convenience. 
I  had  some  thought  of  slaying  my  jailor  and  taking 
his  head  with  me  to  the  Count,  to  demand  an  un- 
barred door,  but  the  rascal  was  too  quick  for  me,  and 
before  I  fathomed  his  inhospitable  intent,  had  thrust 
bolt  in  socket,  himself  safely  on  the  outside,  scorning 


1 62 


TEKLA. 


my  protestations.  A  fastened  door  gives  me  a  sense 
of  suffocation  that  I  find  ill  to  abide.  I  tested  the 
door  by  various  expedients  which  lie  at  the  hand  of 
an  experienced  soldier,  but  found  it  proof  against 
them  all.  Window  there  was  none,  but  the  open 
chimney  gave  me  a  speedy  way,  working  with  hands 
and  knees,  to  the  roof.  The  moon,  just  past  the  full, 
was  shining  brightly,  and  at  some  risk  to  my  bones  I 
got  from  roof  to  lower  roof,  and  so  at  last  to  the 
battlements,  where  by  trusting  my  body  somewhat 
precipitously  to  the  top  of  a  tree,  I  won  my  road  to 
the  ground  outside  the  castle.  There  I  made  myself 
a  bed  and  was  awakened  as  a  man  should  be,  by  the 
singing  of  the  birds,  after  a  most  refreshing  night  of 
it.  I  wandered  about  in  the  forest  testing  the  differ- 
ent trees  to  find  timber  for  the  making  of  arrows,  or 
a  bow  if  need  tje,  although  I  found  little  suitable  for 
the  latter.  With  these  branches  of  timber  I  pre- 
sented myself  at  the  entrance  gate  to  the  no  small 
amazement  of  the  guards,  and  found  all  in  a  bustle,  with 
the  buying  and  selling  of  grain.  Henry  Schwart  espied 
me  as  soon  as  I  entered,  notwithstanding  the  throng, 
and  he  roared  out  how  the  devil  I  came  there,  and 
who  had  unbarred  the  door,  whereat  I  laughed  at  him, 
and  said  they  kept  such  loose  watch  at  Thuron  that 
an  industrious  man  might  have  cut  all  their  throats 
while  they  slept,  had  he  been  so  minded,  and  this 
brought  greater  blackness  into  Heinrich's  face  than  I 
had  hitherto  seen  there." 

"  If  a  suggestion  does  you  any  good,"  said  Rodolph, 
with  some  severity,  "  I  would  not  make  his  Lord- 
ship the  subject  of  mirth." 

"  Indeed,  my  Lord,  your  words  are  full  of  wisdom, 
which  I  marvel  at  considering  your  youth  ;  but  with 
me  it  is  usually  the  word  first  and  the  thought  after, 
which  may  be  likened  to  putting  the  cart  before  the 
cow,  as  they  would  say  in  these  parts.  No ;  I  saw 
that  Heinrich  did  not  enjoy  my  merriment,  but  what 
was  I  to  do  when  the  laugh  had  already  echoed  from 
the  stone  walls,  and  was  thus  beyond  recall.     He  sent 


^  •      CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.      163 

one  messenger  to  my  room,  and  another  to  yours,  with 
instructions  to  leave  your  door  open  and  unbarred, 
which  seemed  to  show  that  the  Black  Count  may  still 
be  judiciously  taught  by  p^ood  example.  The  messen- 
ger to  your  room  reported  you  to  be  sleeping  soundly, 
while  the  one  to  mine  said  the  door  was  still  bolted, 
which  was  undoubtedly  true,  for  I  had  not  meddled 
with  it.  But  I  much  fear,  as  you  have  already  hinted, 
that  I  have  forfeited  the  love  Heinrich  bore  me  yes- 
terday, when  I  pointed  an  arrow  at  his  heart,  for  when 
I  asked  permission  to  go  to  Treves  (granted  that  I  re- 
ceived your  leave)  he  opened  his  eyes  till  they  were 
round  as  targets,  and  cried  that  he  would  see  me  in 
the  region  of  the  condemned  with  pleasure,  but  not 
to  Treves,  which  I  took  as  an  ill-natured  remark,  given 
coarsely  as  he  put  it." 

"  To  Treves  ?  Why  to  Treves  of  all  places  in  the 
world?  How  could  you  expect  Count  Heinrich  to 
permit  you  to  go  to  Treves  from  this  castle  when  he 
is  in  momentary  anticipation  of  being  besieged  by 
Treves?" 

"  I  told  him  I  should  return  unless  I  was  decapitated 
by  the  Archbishop  or  Count  Bertrich,  in  which  case 
he  could  hardly  look  to  me  to  keep  my  tryst  with  him. 
I  have  a  friend  whom  I  left  near  Treves,  from  whence, 
if  I  succeeded  in  getting  employment,  I  was  to  send 
him  word,  so  that  he  too  might  have  a  place  beside 
me.  In  case  of  not  hearing  from  me  he  was  to  betake 
himself  to  Treves  and  there  make  inquiry  regarding 
me ;  that,  I  fear,  he  has  done,  or  is  about  to  do,  and  I 
wish  to  engage  him  on  my  side  in  this  quarrel.  It  has 
been  our  fate  this  many  a  year  to  be  in  opposing 
camps,  and  thus  not  only  are  we  deprived  of  each 
other's  company,  but  our  lives  are  placed  in  jeopardy, 
each  through  the  marksmanship  of  the  other ;  and 
while  I  should  as  fain  take  my  departure  from  this 
world  on  one  of  Roger's  shafts  as  otherwise,  yet  it 
would  grieve  him  ever  after,  for  he  is  a  tender  hearted 
man  as  ever  let  fly  unerring  arrow.  It  would  greatly 
advantage  Black  Heinrich,  had  he  but  sense  to  see  it, 


r\ 


164 


TEKLA. 


k 


to  let  me  go  to  Treves  and  bring  back  Roger  Kent 
with  me." 

"  Is  he  then  an  archer  also  ?  There  surely  cannot 
be  two  such." 

"  No,  there  is  none  like  him.  He  regards  me  as  his 
most  promising  pupil,  but  that  is  merely  because  of 
his  fondness  for  me,  who  will  patiently  listen  to  the 
poetry  he  makes." 

"  Is  he  a  poet  as  well?  Such  a  man,  if  he  betters 
you  in  shooting,  must  write  most  stirringly  of  war." 

"  He  is  the  greatest  of  poets,  for  so  he  himself  ad- 
mitted to  me.  He  writes  poetry  that  no  man  on  earth 
can  understand,  and  if  that  be  sign  of  greatness,  it 
must  be  as  he  says.  He  has  slight  conceit  of  himself 
as  an  archer,  in  which  craft  I  know  him  to  be  un- 
equalled, but  I  am  no  judge  of  his  verses,  although 
they  read  most  soothingly  and  put  a  man  to  sleep 
when  aught  else  fails.  He  writes  not  of  war,  my 
Lord,  but  of  love.  He  indites  verses  to  many  foreign 
virgins  of  ancient  times,  whose  very  names  I  am  never 
able  to  remember,  and  he  has  marvellous  pages  on  the 
birds  and  the  woods  and  mosses,  and  all  flowers  that 
grow,  which,  he  says,  speak  to  him  in  a  language  of 
their  own,  and  that  I  can  well  believe,  for  I  have  no 
understanding  of  it.  And  he  has  penned  many  touch- 
ing lines  on  the  blessings  of  peace,  though  how  he 
could  earn  his  threepence  a  day  if  peace  abounded,  is 
something  which  even  he,  poet  as  he  is,  cannot  explain." 

"  I  think  such  a  soldier  would  be  an  acquisition  to 
our  garrison,  and  I  shall  see  whether  Count  Heinrich 
can  be  persuaded  to  allow  you  a  visit  in  Treves,  al- 
though I  can  well  understand  his  reluctance,  fearing 
the  losing  of  so  valuable  an  archer  as  yourself.  I  also 
have  a  message  to  send  to  Treves,  so  perhaps  we  shall 
prevail  on  the  Count  to  think  better  of  his  decision. 
You  gave  me  the  name  of  your  friend,  but  I  have  never 
yet  learned  your  own." 

"  I  am  called  John  Surrey,  my  Lord.  I  am  Saxon, 
as  you  may  see,  but  Roger  is  a  Norman,  tall  and  thin 
and  nearly  as  black  as  Heinrich  himself.    We  should 


,       CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.     165 

be  enemies  and  not  friends,  for  the  Normans  con- 
quered the  Saxons,  but  as  that  "onquest  is  now  some 
time  past,  and  I  saw  not  how  to  better  the  matter  by 
my  interference  so  long  as  the  Normans  had  such 
archers  as  Roger ;  and  as  he  could  get  none  of  his  own 
countrymen  to  listen  to  his  poetry,  we  had  need  of 
each  other,  and  our  only  grievance  is  that  we  fight 
usually  on  opposite  sides,  the  which  I  should  in  this 
instance  amend  if  the  Count  but  let  me  to  Treves  be- 
fore the  Archbishop  has  Roger  enlisted.  If  there  is  a 
tumult  in  Treves  and  men  are  called  for,  he  will  be 
one  of  the  first  to  offer  himself,  thinking  to  find  me  in 
the  ranks,  for  he  knows  that  it  was  to  take  service 
with  Arnold  that  I  journeyed  forth." 

"  I  have,  as  I  said,  a  message  to  send  to  Treves,  so 
I  shall  speak  to  the  Count  on  behalf  of  your  mission, 
but  I  doubt  if  he  will  risk  the  loss  of  one  archer  like 
you  on  the  remote  chance  of  gaining  two  such  later." 

"  Am  I  then  in  the  Count's  service  and  not  in  yours? 
Have  you  transferred  me  to  him,  my  Lord  ?  " 

"  Not  so.  You  are  at  present  my  archer  regiment, 
which  I  hope  to  increase  in  number  as  opportunity 
serves,  but  we  must  now  do  our  best  to  aid  the  Count, 
having  helped  in  some  measure  to  bring  on  his 
dilemma." 

"With  right  good  will,  my  Lord,  so  be  it  that  he 
treats  a  man  not  as  a  slave  or  prisoner,  and  if  it  come 
to  hanging,  or  the  like,  I  would  rather  be  hanged  by 
you  than  by  the  Count." 

Rodolph  smiled  and  said  : 

"You  may  be  sure  I  shall  not  deliver  up  to  the 
Count  whatever  rights  I  possess  regarding  your  fate. 
I  have  always  insisted  on  the  esteemed  privilege  of 
hanging  my  own  men  ;  it  is  not  an  advantage  I  would 
willingly  bestow  upon  another." 

**  In  that  your  Lordship  is  wise,"  answered  the  bow- 
man, soberly,  "  for  the  relinquishing  of  apparently 
trivial  pretensions  is  generally  followed  by  increased 
encroachment.  I  shall  now  bid  your  Lordship  good- 
morning,  for  I  must  betake  myself  to  the  workshops 


1 66 


TEKLA. 


r  ( 


k 


of  the  castle  and  there  teach  a  knave  Heinrich  has 
given  me,  the  proper  making  of  arrows,  the  which  is 
likely  to  be  a  task  of  some  duration,  for  the  rascal 
does  not  seem  over-brig'it,  and  the  Germans  have 
little  skill,  at  best,  in  th;  accurate  manufacture  of 
shafts,  and  the  correct  balancing  of  them.  I  hold  it 
well  to  prepare  for  the  coming  ^^  the  Archbishop,  and 
meet  him  with  suitable  offerings,  lest  he  i-uspect  us  of 
disrespect  to  his  high  station," 

"  I  hope  he  will  appreciate  your  thoughtfulness," 
said  the  Emperor,  whereupon  the  archer  descended 
from  the  battlements. 

Rodolph  rested  his  arms  on  the  parapet  and  gazed 
at  the  peasants  toiling  slowly  up  the  incline  from  the 
river  with  their  burdens.  As  the  sun  rose  higher  and 
higher  the  shadow  of  the  great  castle  also  moved  im- 
perceptibly up  the  slope,  as  if  emulating  the  labourers. 
The  houses  of  Aiken,  closely  packed  together,  as  was 
the  case  with  all  mediaeval  villages,  stood  brilliantly 
out  in  the  sunshine,  now  that  the  shadow  ol  the  castle 
was  removed  from  them.  In  the  clear  air  every  stone 
of  the  place  stood  distinctly  out,  and  it  seemed  so  sur- 
prisingly near  that  one  might  have  imagined  he  had 
but  to  stretch  down  his  hand  and  touch  its  roofs. 
From  its  streets  came  up  the  merry  laughter  of 
children,  joyous  at  the  unusual  bustle  going  forward, 
having  not  the  slightest  idea  of  the  ominous  meaning 
which  the  hurrying  to  arid  fro  brought  to  older 
minds. 

A  musical  greeting  caused  the  Emperor  to  start 
from  his  reverie  and  turn  suddenly  round.  The 
Countess  Tekla  stood  before  him,  smiling,  and  seem- 
ing herself  a  spirit  of  the  morning.  To  Rodolph  she 
appeared  to  be  robed  magnificently,  and  he  wondered 
how  she  came  by  all  this  finery,  which  suited  her  so 
well,  making  her  look  the  great  lady  she  undoubtedly 
was.  Notwithstanding  her  youth,  there  was  an  un- 
conscious dignity  ibout  her  that  awed  him,  even 
though  he  v/as  accustomed  to  the  splendour  of  the 
grand  dames  who  thronged  his  now  deserted  Court  at 


*    CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.     167 

Frankfort.  Could  this  be  the  girl  who  had  come 
through  such  rough  usage  with  him  from  Treves  to 
Thuron,  standing  now  like  a  fair  goddess  of  the 
Moselle  in  her  queenly  beauty  ?  Here  was  one  indeed 
to  fight  for  and  to  die  for.  if  necessity  arose,  thinking 
oneself  blessed  for  the  privilege.  Her  head  was 
coroneted  by  a  semi-circular  band  of  gold,  encrusted 
with  jewels.  Behind  her  fair  neck  the  rich  profusion 
of  hair  was  kept  in  bounds  by  a  clasp  of  finely-wrought 
silver,  from  which  imprisonment  it  then  flowed  unim- 
peded, the  colour  of  ripened  wheat,  cch  thread  ap- 
parently spun  from  the  golden  beams  of  the  sun  itself. 
It  covered  her  like  a  mantle,  making  even  the  em- 
broidered splendour  of  her  gown  seem  poor  by  com- 
parison. 

To  this  radiant  vision  so  unexpectedly  risen  before 
him,  the  Emperor  bowed  with  the  slow,  lowly  defer- 
ence of  a  courtier  to  his  monarch,  speechless  for  the 
moment  through  the  emotions  that  stirred  within  him. 

The  girl  laughed  merrily  at  his  confusion. 

"  You  must  not  so  criticcdly  regard  me,  my  Lord," 
she  said.  "  My  wardrobe  is  elsewhere,  as  you  know, 
and  I  have  been  compelled  to  explore  this  grim  castle 
for  the  wherewithal  to  attire  myself,  finding  more  of 
coats  of  mail  than  of  ladies'  adornments,  for  it  is  long 
since  feminine  vanity  dwelt  herein,  so  I  have  been 
compelled  to  piece  o'lt  ti  's  with  that,  to  make  myself 
presentable,  and  I  feel  like  one  engaged  in  a  masque- 
rade, tricking  myself  out  as  they  tell  me  the  ladies  do 
at  some  grand  function  given  by  the  Emperor  at 
Frankfort." 

"  My  Lady,  the  Emperor's  Court  is  lit  by  candles  ; 
I  stand  now  in  the  radiance  of  the  sun." 

The  lady  turned  her  dancing  eyes  upon  him. 

"  If  th^it  is  a  compliment,  my  Lord,  'tis  fit  for 
Frankfort  itself  ;  if  it  merely  refers  to  the  undoubted 
fact  that  the  sun  is  shining  bravely  on  you,  and  that 
the  Court  is  dim  by  comparison,  think  not  you  will 
deter  me  from  going  there,  for  I  should  dearly  love  to 
witness  the  pageantry  of  the  capital." 


1 68 


TEKLA. 


"  Indeed,  Countess,  if  you  fail  to  do  so  it  will  not 
be  through  lack  of  invitation." 

"  When  invitation  comes  I  shall  eagerly  accept  it." 

"  I  sincerely  trust  you  will,  my  Lady." 

"  Perhaps  you  also  will  be  there,  and  may  not  have 
forgotten  me.  If  I  see  you,  I  shall  ask  you  to  point 
out  to  a  stranger  those  who  are  notable." 

"  Such  is  my  most  devout  wish,  although  I  lacked 
the  courage  to  give  expression  to  it." 

"  But  I  breathe  a  warning  to  you.  My  uncle  tells 
me  you  spoke  slightingly  of  the  Emperor  last  night. 
I  was  grieved  to  hear  it,  for  I  am  a  loyal  subject  of 
his,  and  were  I  a  man,  would  draw  sword,  did  any  in 
my  presence  allude  to  the  head  of  the  state  in  other 
terms  than  those  of  respect." 

"  Knowing  your  pleasure,  I  shall  be  careful  not  to 
offend  again.  Still,  in  my  own  defence,  I  should  like 
to  say  that  I  spoke  only  of  faults  that  the  Emperor 
himself  would  be  the  first  to  admit.  An  Emperor 
should  be  an  Emperor,  and  not  a  nonentity  whose 
wish  commands  but  slight  attention." 

The  lady  drew  herself  up,  a  slight  frown  marring 
the  smoothness  of  her  brow.  ""'  ' 

"You  pay  little  heed  to  my  request,  and  while  pro- 
fessing to  comply,  offend  the  more.  A  loyal  noble 
would  scarce  call  his  Emperor  a  nonentity." 

"  Look  around  you,  Countess.  Here  are  going  for- 
ward busy  preparations  for  war.  Does  the  Count 
appeal  to  his  over-lord  against  the  suspected  incursion 
of  the  Archbishop  ?  Twould  be  grotesque  to  hint 
that  such  a  thought  ever  occurred  to  him.  Does  the 
Archbishop  send  an  envoy  to  Frankfort  acquainting 
the  Emperor  with  his  purpose  and  asking  leave  to 
launch  an  army  against  Thuron  ?  Not  so.  He  doffs 
his  clerical  vestments  and  dons  a  coat  of  mail,  as 
mindless  of  the  Emperor  as  if  no  such  person  existed. 
Here  red-handed  war  is  about  to  open  within  a  day's 
journey  of  the  capital,  in  the  centre  of  the  Emperor's 
domains,  and  if  he  ever  he.irs  of  it,  'twill  be  because 
some  friend  tells  him.  That  jumps  not  with  my  idea 
of  the  high  office." 


CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.      169 


le 


;d. 


"  But  the  Emperor  is  at  the  Holy  War  in  foreign 
lands." 

"  Then  should  he  instead  stand  where  I  stand,  in 
the  midst  of  the  unholy  war  in  his  own  land,  to  stop 
it  or  to  guide  it." 

"  If  you  think  thus,"  said  the  girl,  perplexed  at  the 
confident  tone  of  the  young  man,  and  foigetting  the 
censure  she  had  just  pronounced  upon  him,  "  why 
have  you  left  his  side  ?  Why  do  you  not  say  to  him 
what  you  say  of  him  to  me  ?  " 

"  Indeed,  my  Lady,"  replied  Rodolph  with  a  laugh, 
"  I  have  but  little  influence  with  his  Majesty.  Often 
has  he  pursued  a  course  that  has  not  met  with  my 
approval^  being  turned  aside  from  great  policies  of 
state  by  the  sight  of  a  pretty  face.  You  could  sway 
him,  Countess,  where  I  should  be  helpless.  But  I 
know  that  he  has  lately  met  one,  wao  can  if  she  likes, 
m.i.  o  a  great  Emperor  of  him,  should  he  prove  capa- 
ble oi  a  distinguished  career,  so  my  part  in  h's  re- 
formation will  count  for  little." 

"Then  she  will  do  so,  of  course,  and  be  proud  of  the 
opportunity,"  v.  !ed  the  Countess,  eagerly. 

**  Perhaps.  Who  can  tell  what  a  woman  may  do? 
It  is  my  earnest  hope  that  she  prove  not  unwilling." 

**  Is  she  beautiful?  " 

"The  divinest — yes,  she  is  accounted  so." 

In  spite  of  Tekla's  enthusiasm  for  the  welfare  of 
her  Emperor,  the  ardour  with  which  the  young  man 
began  his  eulogy  regarding  the  unknown  lady  in  ques- 
tion, and  the  quick  suppression  of  the  same,  did  not 
escape  her  notice,  nor  did  it  bring  that  satisfaction 
which  a  moment  before  Tekla  had  anticipated.  She 
turned  her  eyes  from  him  and  allowed  them  to  wander 
over  the  wide  and  peaceful  landscape,  whose  beauty 
was  so  much  enhanced  by  the  winding,  placid  river. 

Then  she  said  suddenly,  obviously  apropos  of  the 
labouring  peasants : 

"We  shall  be  in  little  danger  of  starvation  in 
Thuron,  unless  the  siege  be  long." 

*•  J  am  not  so  sure  of  that,"  replied  Rodolph.     "  I 


I 


I/O 


TEKLA. 


K 


had  no  supper  last  night,  and  this  morning  none  has 
said  to  me  'This  is  the  way  to  the  dining  hall.'  " 

"  Do  you  mean  that  you  have  not  yet  breakfasted  ?  " 
cried  Tekla,  turning  to  him  with  quick  surprised  inter- 
est. "  And  I  have  been  standing  here  censuring  a 
hungry  man.  You  must  think  our  race  a  most  un- 
grateful one." 

•'  I  had  no  such  thought.  But  your  mention  of 
starvation  reminded  me  that  I  am  rather  in  the  condi- 
tion of  a  famishing  garrison  myself." 

"  Then  come  with  me  at  once.  I  will  be  your 
hostess,  and  will  endeavour  to  recompense  you  for 
the  inhospitality  of  the  castle.  There  is  a  delightful 
balcony  overlooking  the  quiet  inner  courtyard,  and 
there  we  shall  spread  your  repast.     Come." 

The  Emperor  followed  her,  and  presently  arrived 
at  the  balcony  she  had  spoken  of,  overhanging  the 
neglected  garden.  It  was,  indeed,  a  pleasant  spot 
in  so  stern  a  fortress,  shut  off  by  heavy  velvet  hang- 
ings from  the  apartment  out  of  which  it  projected  and 
forming  thus  a  little  square  room  half  inside  the  castle 
and  half  in  the  open  air. 

Rodolph  sat  at  the  table  with  the  Countess  oppo- 
site him,  while  Hilda  waited  on  them.  Tekla  chatted 
as  her  vis-h-vis  broke  his  long  fast. 

•'  I  intend  to  make  this  plot  of  ground  my  care,  and, 
while  all  others  are  busy  fighting  for  me,  I  shall  be 
peacefully  engaged  in  gardening.  I  hope  to  interest 
my  aunt  in  horticulture.  Poor  woman,  she  seems  to 
have  little  to  occupy  her  mind  in  this  prison,  and  I 
fear  her  husband  pays  scant  attention  to  her.  Him 
too  I  sh.ill  cultivate  if  I  get  an  opportunity.  He  has 
need  of  civilisation,  for  he  scarce  seems  to  believe 
that  women  have  a  right  to  exist,  and  his  wife  has  for 
years  been  so  patient  and  uncomplaining,  that  he  has 
been  confirmed  in  his  nccrlect  of  her." 

"  I  have  already  cautioned  my  archer  this  morn- 
ing not  to  encroach  too  boldly  on  his  Lordship's 
«;ood  nature,  wlilcli  the  Count  seems  to  have  but 
short  stock  of.     May  I   venture  to  suggest  that  the 


CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.      171 

task  of  reforming  him  will  be  more  safely  accom- 
plished perhaps  when  your  Ladyship  occupies  your 
strongest  castle,  with  a  stout  garrison  about  you?  " 

*'  Have  no  fear,  my  Lord.  He  came  to  us  last  night 
and  sat  talking  to  me  as  smoothly  as  if  he  were  the 
Archbishop  himself — in  truth,  much  more  smoothly 
than  the  Archbishop  has  lately  spoken.  He  sat  there 
with  his  elbow  on  the  table  looking  fixedly  at  me, 
quite  ignoring  his  wife,  who  trembled  with  fear  while 
he  was  in  the  room,  and  groaned  aloud  when  I  spoke 
my  mind  to  him  on  one  or  two  '  v^casions.  He  said 
that  we  two  were  the  only  kin  eieh  had  and  should 
think  much  of  each  other.  I  told  him  frankly  I  should 
be  pleased  to  think  much  of  him  as  soon  as  1  saw  occa- 
sion to  do  so,  but  that  what  I  had  seen  of  him  here- 
tofore had  not  made  me  proud  of  the  kinship.  My 
Lady  caught  her  breath  and  looked  imploringly  at  me, 
but  he,  frowning,  gazed  sternly  at  me,  first  saying  noth- 
ing, then  after  a  long  silence  muttering:  *  I  would  you 
were  a  man.'  '  Indeed,  uncle,'  I  replied,  *  such  was 
my  own  wish  this  afternoon,  when,  instead  of  throwing 
myself  at  your  feet  I  might  have  drawn  sword  ard 
taught  good  manners  in  Thuron.'  Then  you  should 
have  seen  him„  His  brow  was  like  midnight,  and  his 
eyes  blazed.  He  started  up  in  wrath,  and  I  little 
wondered  that  my  Lady  moaned  and  wrung  her  hands, 
but  I  In.ughed  and  returned  his  look  without  flinching, 
although!  may  confess  to  you  I  was  as  frightened  as 
when  in  Cochcm.  But  his  frown  cleared  away,  and 
something  almost  resembling  a  twinkle  came  into  his 
piercing  eyes.  I  am  sure  there  was  at  least  the  be- 
ginning of  a  smile  under  his  black  beard  as  he  said, 
"quite  in  kindly  tone,  *  We  are,  indeed,  relatives,  Tckla.' 
He  placed  his  hand  on  my  head  as  if  I  were  a  little 
child,  sighed,  turned  on  his'heel  and  strode  away  with- 
out further  farewell.  My  aunt  gazed  wonderingly  at 
me  as  if  I  had  baited  a  bear,  and  had  unexpectedly 
come  forth  unscathed." 

**  Which  is  exactly  my  own  opinion.  I  beg  of  you 
not  to  repeat  the  experiment." 


D  .',1 


i!      ! 


/•  t 


I     I' 


172 


TEKLA. 


I 


Tekia  looked  archly  at  him  across  the  table,  with 
a  smile  on  her  face  like  the  play  of  sunshine  on  the 
fair  surface  of  the  river.  ~  \ 

"  Why  should  I  repeat  it,  my  Lord  ?  It  is  only 
men  who  do  that,  and  as  your  former  advice  was  given 
to  a  man,  it  was  of  course  well  placed.  A  man  always 
repeats.  Oh,  I  know  his  formula.  First  there  is  the 
haughty  word ;  next  the  sneering  reply ;  then  a 
mounting  flush  of  anger  to  the  forehead,  and  hand  on 
the  hilt  of  the  sword.  It  always  ends  with  the  sword, 
for  the  men  have  little  patience  and  less  originality. 
With  a  woman  it  must  be  different,  for  she  carries 
no  sword,  and  her  ingenuity  is  her  only  weapon.  My 
dark  uncle,  when  he  reflects  slowly  on  his  treatment, 
will  come  at  last  to  a  conclusion  regarding  what  he 
shall  do  when  next  I  laugh  at  him.  But  when  he 
visits  us  again  I  shall  be  most  kind  to  him,  and  he  will 
learn  with  amaze  how  pleasant  he  finds  it  when  he 
acts  less  like  a  bear  with  his  women  folk.  I  shall  take 
him  to  this  balcony  and  feed  him  tenderly.  Hilda 
knows  the  method  of  preparing  some  culinary  dainties, 
which  are  common  enough  at  Treves,  but  utterly  un- 
known at  Thuron.  On  each  occasion  my  dear  uncle 
will  find  me  different,  and  whatever  plan  he  prepares 
for  one  method  of  attack,  will  be  utterly  useless  when 
confronted  with  another.  I  can  see  he  is  an  unready 
man,  and  I  shall  never  give  him  time  to  build  up  a 
line  o(  defence  while  he  is  with  me.  Oh,  if  the  Arch- 
bishop attacks  Thuron  with  half  the  skill  with  which  I 
shall  besiege  my  uncle,  then  is  the  castle  doomed. 
And  in  the  end  you  shall  find  that  my  dark  uncle  will 
so  dearly  assess  me  that  he  will  fight  for  me  against 
a  whole  house  of  Archbishops." 

"  I  can  well  believe  that,"  said  Rodolph,  with  un- 
disguised admiration. 

Pefore  Tekla  could  reply  a  wild  cheer  went  up  from 
the  further  courtyard,  echoed  by  a  fainter  cheer  out- 
side the  castle.  Rodolph  started  to  his  feet  and 
listened  as  the  acclamations  continued. 

"Run,  Hilda,"  cried  the  Countess.  **  Find  the 
cause  of  the  outcry  and  bring  us  tidings  of  it." 


CASTLE  THURON  MAKES  A  MEAL.      173 

When  the  girl  breathlessly  returned  she  said  they 
were  hoisting  on  the  great  southern  tower  the  broad 
flag  of  Thuron,  and  that  the  people  were  cheering  as 
if  they  were  mad,  but  the  cause  of  it  all  she  could  not 
learn. 

"The  Archbishop's  army  is  very  likely  in  sight," 
said  Rodolph,  "although  how  that  can  be,  unless 
Arnold  has  sent  it  close  on  Bertrich's  heels,  I  cannot 
understand.  Perhaps  Bertrich  has  met  it  between  the 
castle  and  Cochem  and  has  returned  with  it.  Let  us 
go  and  see." 


/-» 


K 


I 


;!     t 


CHAPTER   XVI. 

THE   COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR. 

Once  more  Tekla  and  Rodolph  found  themselves 
on  the  battlements.  The  flag  hung  listless  at  the 
top  of  the  pole  in  the  still  air,  as  if  the  time  for 
action  had  not  yet  arrived.  On  a  hill  summit  further 
up  the  river  another  flag  was  fluttering,  and  on  the 
other  side,  still  more  distant,  a  third  flag  was  being 
slowly  raised  against  the  sky.  Whether  or  not  this 
betokened,  the  coming  of  the  Archbishop,  Rodolph 
could  not  determine.  The  nearer  flag  seemed  to  be 
of  the  same  design  as  the  one  that  hung  over  Thuron  ; 
the  third  flag  was  too  far  away  to  allow  its  character 
to  be  discerned.  The  line  of  peasants  winding  up 
from  the  river  and  stretching  along  the  banks  had 
taken  up  the  cheering  which  echoed  lustily  from  hill 
to  hill.  It  was  evident  that  that  most  infectious 
malady,  the  war  spirit,  was  abroad,  for  fighting  songs, 
ringing  and  truculent,  with  swinging,  inspiring 
choruses,  were  being  chanted  in  the  village  and  along 
the  river.  Some  rumour  or  suspicion  of  what  was 
going  forward  had  undoubtedly  permeated  the  mass 
of  people  collected  within  and  under  shadow  of  the 
castle  ;  Rodolph  felt  the  enthusiasm  of  coming  battle 
in  the  air.  Yet  these  people  had  always  been  tyran- 
nised over  by  the  Black  Count,  and  this  was  probably 
the  first  time  he  had  paid  for  what  he  took  from  them. 
Nevertheless,  they  were  shouting  for  him,  and  woe 
betide  the  man  who  now  raised  his  voice  against  him. 
As  Rodolph  looked  on  in  wonderment,  the  Black 
Count  himself  came  up  the  stens  that  led  to  the  lofty 
promenade,  and  there  was  a  gleam  of  fierce  delight  in 
his  dark  eye  as  he  swept  it  over  the  animated  scene. 


COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR.  175 


Some  of  the  songs  sung  had  evidently  not  been  intendec' 
as  complimentary  to  the  Count  when  they  were  origin- 
ally composed,  but  now  the  singers  had  either  forgotten 
the  first  import  of  the  words,  or  had  added  others  that 
turned  censure  into  laudation.  The  burden  of  the 
chorus  in  one  of  them  was  "The  Devil  is  black,"  a 
line  oft  repeated,  and  ending  with  a  phrase  which 
betokened  the  ultimate  fate  of  his  sable  majesty. 
Although  some  unthinkingly,  carried  away  by  the 
enthusiasm  of  the  occasion,  repeated  the  old  ending, 
the  majority  gave  the  new  rendering, which  was  to  the 
effect  that  their  devil  was  more  than  a  match  for  any 
other  devil  in  existence.  The  Count  as  he  approached 
the  two  young  people  standing  by  the  parapet,  had 
shaken  off  much  of  his  habitual  gloom,  and  was  even 
humming  to  himself  the  catching  refrain  referring  to 
the  blackness  of  the  devil,  quite  unheeding  any  per- 
sonal reference  it  might  contain. 

"Good  day  to  you,  my  Lord  Count,"  said  Rodolph. 
**  You  have  had  little  rest  since  I  last  spoke  with  you. 
Do  the  flags  on  the  hill-tops  betoken  the  coming  of 
Treves?" 

"  No,  they  are  my  signals,  already  agreed  upon,  to 
let  the  peasants  know  the  castle  can  hold  no  more. 
Thuron  has  had  a  full  meal,  and  now  let  Arnold  come 
on  when  he  pleases :  we  are  ready  for  him." 

**  Shall  you  not  follow  the  castle's  example,  uncle?  " 
said  Tekla.     "You  must  be  both  tired  and   hungry 
I  have  a  meal  in  preparation  for  you." 

"  Hungry  always ;  tired  never.  The  loss  of  one 
night's  sleep  is  nothing  to  me.  If  it  were  ten  I  might 
wrap  my  coat  about  me  and  look  for  a  corner  to  lie 
down  in.  I  shall  eat  with  my  men  in  the  great  hall, 
child,  so  never  depend  upon  me  for  a  table  compan- 
ion, but  dine  when  and  where  it  pleases  you.  I  place 
few  restrictions  upon  those  within  these  walls,  and 
suffer  none  at  all  to  bind  myself.  Go  therefore  to 
your  apartments  ;  the  ramparts  are  for  men-at-arms 
and  not  for  women.  I  wish  to  have  some  words  with 
this  gentleman." 


i 


1/6 


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TEKLA. 


K 


"  Nay,  but  uncle,"  pleaded  Tekla,  in  a  pretty  tone 
of  entreaty,  placing  her  small  white  hand  on  his  gigan- 
tic stalwart  arm,  "  I  have  appointed  myself  caterer  of 
the  castle  and  must  not  have  my  housewifely  arts  so 
slighted  by  the  chief  thereof." 

"  Uncle  me  not  so  frequently,"  he  cried,  with  rude 
impatience,  trying  to  shake  off  her  hand  ;  but  it  clung 
there  like  a  snowflake  against  a  piece  of  rock.  "  I  am 
rarely  in  the  humour  for  pretty  phrases.  I  am  not  a 
man  of  words,  but  a  man  of  action." 

"Then,  mine  only  uncle,  as  you  yourself  reminded 
me  last  night,  come  and  show  yourself  a  man  of  ac- 
tion against  the  meal  I  shall  prepare  for  you." 

Black  Heinrich  glanced  helplessly  at  Rodolph  with 
so  much  of  comic  discomfiture  that  the  young  man 
had  some  ado  to  keep  his  countenance. 

"  If  I  had  a  score  of  uncles,"  continued  Tekla,  "  I 
might  lavish  my  kindness  on  them  one  after  another ; 
as  I  have  but  one  he  must  be  patient  with  me,  and 
take  to  my  civilising  influence  with  the  best  grace  he 
may.     You  will  come  then  when  I  send  for  you  ?  " 

"  Well,  well,"  said  the  Count  gruffly,  so  that  his 
giving  way  might  attract  the  less  notice,  "  if  you 
leave  us  now,  I  will  go." 

When  Tekla  had  departed  and  the  two  men  were 
left  alone  together,  Rodolph  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  I  know  not  what  you  have  to  say  to  me,  my  Lord 
Count,  but  I  have  something  to  say  to  you.  Last 
night  you  told  me  I  was  not  a  prisoner,  yet  was  I 
treated  like  one  when  I  left  you.  I  protested  against 
being  barred  in,  and  was  informed  that  when  you 
ordered  a  guest  to  the  round  chamber,  the  bolting 
was  included  in  the  hospitality.  I  should  like,  there- 
fore, to  know  what  my  standing  is  in  this  castle.  Am 
I  a  prisoner  at  night,  and  a  free  man  during  the  day, 
or  what  ?  " 

**  It  is  on  that  subject  that  I  wish  to  speak  with 
you,"  said  the  Black  Count.  "  We  were  in  a  mixed 
company  last  night,  and  it  was  not  convenient  for  me 
to  enter  into  explanations,  which  I  propose  now  to  do. 


COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR.  177 

I  am  still  in  some  ignorance  concerning  your  part  in 
this  flight  from  Treves.  Perhaps  you  will  first  tell  me 
exactly  who  you  are,  what  is  your  quality,  and  where 
your  estates  lie,  if  you  have  any?" 

Rodolph  had  anticipated  such  inquiry  and  had 
thought  deeply  how  he  should  answer  when  it  was 
propounded.  He  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that 
there  would  be  great  danger  in  making  full  confession 
to  the  Black  Count,  known  far  and  near  as  a  ruthless 
marauder,  who,  but  for  the  strength  and  practically 
unassailable  position  of  his  castle,  would  have  been 
laid  by  the  heels  long  before,  if  not  by  Emperor  or 
Archbishop,  or  surrounding  nobles,  by  the  banded 
merchants  on  whom  he  levied  relentless  tribute.  To 
put  such  a  man  in  possession  of  the  fact  that  he  had 
in  his  power  the  Emperor  of  all  the  land,  was  to  take  a 
leap  into  a  chasm,  the  bottom  of  which  no  eye  could  see. 
With  such  an  important  hostage  what  might  not  the 
ambition  of  the  Black  Count  tempt  him  to  do  ?  No 
friend  that  Rodolph  possessed  had  the  slightest  hint  of 
the  Emperor's  position.  It  would  be  as  difificult  for 
him  to  get  out  of  Thuron  without  its  owner's  permis- 
sion, as  it  was  like  to  prove  for  the  Archbishop  to 
get  in.  The  Black  Count  was  surrounded  by  daring 
and  reckless  men,  to  whom  his  word  was  law,  and  it 
was  not  probable  that,  in  case  of  need,  Rodolph  could 
hold  his  sword  aloft  and  shout  *  The  Emperor,'  with 
any  hope  that  a  single  warrior  would  rally  to  his  side. 
He  had  learned  much  in  his  short  journey  through  his 
own  domains.  He  found  that  where  his  own  title  had 
no  magic  in  its  sound,  the  cry  of '  The  Archbishop,'  had 
placed  an  army  at  his  command,  and  had  turned  the 
tide  of  battle  that  had  threatened  to  overwhelm  him 
at  Bruttig.  If  then  he  ever  hoped  to  make  the  name 
of  the  Emperor  as  potent  a  spell,  he  must,  until  he 
reached  Frankfort  again,  keep  his  identity  a  secret. 
Therefore  he  fell  back  on  the  old  fiction  that  he  was  a 
silk  merchant  at  Frankfort,  in  support  of  which  he 
had  a  passport  to  show. 

"  My  Lord  Count,  this  passport  will  tell  you  my 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Photographic 

Sciences 

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WHSTIR.N.Y.  MSIO 

(716)  •73-4503 


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178 


TEKLA. 


name  and  quality,  and  will  also  give  reason  for  my 
journey  from  Frankfort  to  Treves,  at  which  latter 
place,  through  an  entirely  unexpected  series  of  cir- 
cumstances, I  came  to  lend  aid  to  your  niece  in  her 
escape  from  Arnold's  stronghold.  Until  I  arrived  in 
Treves  a  few  short  days  ago  I  had  never  heard  of  the 
lady.  I  am,  as  you  will  see  by  the  parchment  you  hold 
in  your  hand,  a  silk  merchant  of  Frankfort,  who 
journeyed  to  Treves  with  a  friend,  to  discover  there 
the  prospect  of  trade." 

"  A  merchant !  "  cried  Heinrich,  frowning,  and  mak- 
ing no  effort  to  conceal  the  contempt  in  which  he 
held  such  a  calling.  "  I  understood  you  to  say  last 
night  that  you  were  noble,  and  laid  claim  to  the  title 
of  lord." 

"  I  am  as  noble  as  yourself,  my  Lord  Count,  al- 
though not  so  renowned.  Many  of  us  in  these  times 
of  peace  have  taken  to  trade,  and  yet  are  none  the  less 
ready  to  maintain  our  nobility  at  the  point  of  the 
sword,  should  our  title  be  called  into  question.  In- 
deed I  have  heard  that  you  yourself  have  on  various 
occasions  engaged  in  traffic  of  silk  and  other  mer- 
chandise which  passes  your  doors,  and  have  become 
rich  by  such  dealing.  The  only  difference  between 
you  and  me  as  traders  is  that  I  make  less  profit  in  the 
transaction  than  you  do,  as  I  am  compelled  to  pay 
for  the  goods  I  resell." 

Heinrich  bent  his  lowering  brow  over  the  parch- 
ment he  held  in  his  hand,  but  whether  it  conveyed 
any  meaning  to  his  mind  or  not,  Rodolph  was  unable 
to  conjecture.  There  was,  for  some  moments,  silence 
between  them,  then  the  Count  spoke : 

"  Are  you  a  rich  merchant  ?  " 

'*  I  am  not  poor."  * 

"  You  have  had  a  hand  in  bringing  me  to  the  pass  I 
find  myself  in,  it  is  but  right  then  that  you  should  see 
me  out,  or  further  in ;  but  right  or  wrong  it  is  my 
intention  to  hold  you,  and  if  disaster  comes,  I  shall 
make  you  bear  some  share  in  it.  It  is  useless  for  me 
to  demand  ransom  for  you  now,  because  if  the  Arch- 


COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR.  179 

bishop  knock  down  my  house  he  will  lay  hands  on 
whatever  treasure  lies  therein.  When  we  come  to  an 
end  of  the  siege  then  I  shall  compound  with  you  on 
terms  that  may  seem  to  me  just  or  otherwise,  depend- 
ing in  a  measure  on  how  you  hereafter  comport  your- 
self. If  you  give  me  your  word  of  honour  that  you 
will  make  no  attempt  to  leave  the  castle  without  my 
permission,  then  I  will  accept  it  as  you  accepted  mine 
yesterday,  and  you  shall  be  as  free  as  any  man  within 
the  castle.  If  you  will  not  give  me  your  word  then 
you  are  prisoner,  and  shall  be  treated  as  such ;  in  fact, 
I  have  some  men-at-arms  within  call  who  will  at  once 
convey  you  to  the  round  chamber,  there  to  rest  until 
my  contest  with  the  Archbishop  is  decided." 

"  Then,  my  Lord,  is  your  word  of  little  value,  for 
you  promised  that  I  should  be  free  to  pursue  my  way 
to  Frankfort  in  the  morning  if  the  archer  spared  you." 

"  Not  so.     I  promised  you  your  life." 

"  Very  well.  We  shall  have  no  argument  about  it. 
I  give  you  my  word,  and  I  swear  to  keep  it  as  faith- 
fully as  you  have  kept  yours." 

Heinrich  looked  sternly  at  his  guest  with  a  suspi- 
cious expression  which  seemed  to  say :  "  Now  what 
devilish  double  meaning  is  there  in  that  ?  " 

Up  from  the  outside  of  the  walls  came  the  chorus 
"  The  Devil  is  black,"  and  Rodolph  smiled  as  the 
refrain  broke  the  stillness. 

"  Do  you  mean  to  impugn  my  word  ?  "  Heinrich  said 
aloud. 

"  Nothing  is  further  from  my  intention.  I  mean  to 
emulate  it.  It  is  my  ambition  to  keep  my  word  as 
fully  as  you  keep  yours,  and  you  can  ask  no  better 
guarantee  than  that,  can  you  ?  The  truth  is  I  am  as 
anxious  to  see  the  outcome  of  this  contest  as  you  are, 
and  I  intend  to  be  in  the  thick  of  it.  If  you  imprison 
me,  the  chances  are  that  you  will  thrust  bolt  on  the 
only  man  of  brains  in  the  place,  not  excepting  your 
august  self,  for  although  you  may  be  a  stubborn  fighter, 
I  doubt  if  you  know  much  of  strategy,  or  can  see  far 
ahead  of  your  prominent  nose.    So,  my  Lord,  you 


n 


1 80 


TEKLA. 


1 


; 


! 


may  act  as  best  pleases  you,  and  call  up  all  the  men-at- 
arms  in  the  castle,  if  their  presence  comforts  you.  If 
you  trust  me,  I  may,  at  a  critical  moment,  be  of  vast 
assistance  to  you.  It  is  even  possible  that  should  the 
Archbishop  press  you  too  closely,  I  may,  by  slipping 
out  of  Thuron,  make  way  through  his  camp  and,  gath- 
ering my  own  men,  fall  on  him  unexpectedly  from  be- 
hind, thus  confusing  your  foe.  If  you  choose  to 
treat  me  as  a  prisoner,  then  do  you  put  your  wits 
against  mine,  and  you  will  wake  up  some  morning  to 
find  three  of  your  best  men  gone.  So,  my  Lord,  pon- 
der on  that,  and  lay  what  course  you  choose." 

It  was  plain  that  the  unready  Count  was  baffled  by 
the  free  and  easy  manner  in  which  the  other  addressed 
him.  The  same  feeling  of  mental  inferiority  which  he 
had  felt  in  Rodolph's  presence  the  night  before,  again 
came  over  hiijn,  and,  while  it  angered  him,  his  caution 
whispered  the  suggestion  that  here  was  a  possible  ally 
who  might  in  stress  prove  most  valuable.  Never  had 
Heinrich  met  one  apparently  helpless,  who  seemed  so 
careless  what  his  jailer  might  think  or  do.  The  Count 
wished  he  had  braved  the  archer's  shaft,  taken  the  risk 
of  it,  and  hanged  this  man  out  of  hand.  However,  it 
was  too  late  to  think  of  that  now,  and  he  asked,  keep- 
ing control  of  his  rising  temper: 

"  How  many  men  answer  to  your  call?** 

"  Enough  to  make  the  Archbishop  prefer,  at  any 
time,  that  they  be  not  thrown  in  the  scale  against  him. 
More  than  enough  when  he  faces  so  doughty  and 
brave  a  warrior  as  the  devil  of  Thuron,  regarding 
whose  colour  and  fate  those  peasants  outside  are 
chanting." 

"  I  take  your  word,"  cried  Heinrich,  with  sudden 
impetuousness.  "  I  should,  of  course,  allow  you  to  go 
free  to  Frankfort,  but  I  beg  of  you  to  remain  with 
me.  I  ask  you  not  to  leave  until  you  have  consulted 
with  me,  but,  excepting  that  condition,  you  are  as  free 
of  the  castle  as  I  am." 

"  Spoken  like  a  true  nobleman,  and  on  such  basis  we 
shall  have  no  fault  to  find  with  each  other.   And  now  I 


I 
COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR.  i8i 


ee 


request  your  permission  to  send  a  messenger  at  once 
to  Treves." 

"  To  Treves !  "  cried  the  Black  Count,  the  old  look 
of  fierce  suspicion  coming  again  into  his  piercing  eyes. 
"  Why  to  Treves  ?  The  archer  wants  to  go  to  Treves. 
You  want  to  send  to  Treves.  It  is  nothing  but  Treves, 
Treves,  Treves,  till  I  am  sick  of  the  name.  Why  to 
Treves?" 

'*  It  is  a  very  simple  matter,  my  Lord  Count.  I 
told  you  I  came  from  Frankfort  wi  h  a  friend.  I  also 
informed  you  that  I  took  this  journey  down  the  Mo- 
selle most  unexpectedly.  My  friend,  who  distrusts 
the  Archbishop  as  much  as  you  distrust  him,  and  more 
if  that  be  possible,  is  now  in  Treves  not  knowing  what 
has  become  of  me.  He  will  imagine  that  the  Arch- 
bishop has  me  by  the  heels,  and  may  get  himself  into 
trouble  by  attempting  my  liberation.  I  wish,  there- 
fore, to  get  word  to  him  of  my  whereabouts,  not  only 
that  his  just  anxiety  may  be  relieved,  but  also  that  if 
we  are  hard  pressed,  he  may  come  to  our  timely  rescue." 

"If  we  are  to  trust  each  other,  I  must  have  fuller 
knowledge.     Who  is  your  friend  ?  " 

*•  The  Baron  von  Brunfels." 

"  What  ?  Siegfried  von  Brunfels  of  the  Rhine  ? 
The  friend  of  the  Emperor?  " 

"  The  same." 

"  He  has  enough  retainers  of  his  own  to  raise  the 
siege  of  Thuron  if  he  wished  to  do  so." 

"  That  is  true.  All  the  more  reason  then  that  he 
should  be  acquainted  with  the  fact  that  his  friend  is 
here,  for,  from  what  I  have  heard  him  say  of  you,  he 
would  never  stir  a  man  through  love  of  Heinrich  of 
Thuron." 

"  If  Baron  von  Brunfels  is  your  friend,  you  are  no 
merchant." 

"  Indeed,  I  have  often  thought  so ;  for  I  make  some 
amazingly  bad  bargains." 

"  Should  the  Archbishop  and  his  men  come  on,  it 
will  not  be  possible  for  a  single  horseman  to  get 
through  to  Treves.     I  do  not  wish  to  lose  the  archer, 


l82 


TEKLA. 


nor  can  I  spare  one  of  my  own  men.    Do  you  intend 
yourself  to  go  to  Treves." 

"  No.  Neither  do  I  desire  to  lose  the  archer,  even 
though  he  should  bring  back  his  equal  with  the  bow, 
which  would  be  his  purpose  in  setting  out.  He  has  a 
friend,  he  says,  who  excels  him  in  skill,  although  that 
I  doubt.  I  desire  to  send  my  own  man,  Conrad,  who 
knows  Treves,  and  who  was  in  the  employ  of  the 
Baron.  He  will  win  his  way  through  if  any  one  can, 
and  may  bring  the  other  archer  back  with  him.  Be- 
sides, there  is  a  chance  that  the  crafty  Arnold  is  not 
yet  on  the  move,  and  it  would  be  interesting  to  learn 
something  of  what  is  going  on  in  Treves,  and  what 
happened  when  the  valiant  Count  Bertrich  returned  to 
his  master.  This,  Conrad  can  discover  much  more 
effectually  than  the  archer,  for  he  is  intelligent,  and 
loves  not  the,  sound  of  his  own  voice  as  does  our  bow- 
man. Conrad  is  a  listener  rather  than  a  talker ;  I  can- 
not say  the  same  for  the  skilful  arrow-maker." 

In  deep  doubt  Black  Heinrich  stood  gazing  on 
the  stones  at  his  feet.  He  was  outmanoeuvred,  yet 
knew  not  how  to  help  himself.  Full  authority  was 
his,  yet  the  control  of  affairs  seemed  slipping  from 
his  grasp.  He  had  not  entertained  the  slightest  in- 
tention of  allowing  any  one  from  the  castle  to  depart 
for  Treves,  yet  here  he  felt  he  was  about  to  consent. 
He  chafed  at  the  turn  things  had  taken,  but  knew  not 
how  to  amend  them.  If  he  refused  permission  to 
everything  proposed,  he  feared  he  might  be  making  a 
fool  of  himself,  and  acting  against  his  own  interests, 
and  worse,  that  the  cool  confident  young  man  would 
know  he  was  making  a  fool  of  himself,  and  despise 
him  accordingly ;  still,  he  was  loath  to  allow  even  the 
semblance  of  power  to  pass  away  from  him. 

"  I  like  not  this  traffic  with  Treves,"  he  said,  at  last. 
"  Nor  do  I.  Still  I  am  determined  in  some  fashion 
to  let  Brunfels  know  where  I  am.  Further  than  that 
I  shall  tell  him  nothing,  if  such  knowledge  is  against 
your  wish  ;  but  if  you  give  your  consent  I  shall  ask  him 
to  keep  an  eye  on  this  siege  ;  and  if^  as  is  very  likelv. 


)art 


to 
iga 
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[the 


COUNTESS  TRIES  TO  TAME  THE  BEAR.  183 

you  beat  off  Arnold,  he  is  not  to  interfere,  but  if  you 
are  getting  the  worst  ot  it,  there  is  little  harm  in  hav- 
ing a  friend  outside  on  whom  we  can,  in  emergency, 
call.  It  all  rests  with  you,  my  Lord  ;  I  merely  make 
suggestions,  and  if  they  do  not  jump  with  your  liking 
then  they  are  of  little  value.  Your  experience  is 
greater  than  mine,  and  your  courage  is  unquestioned. 
A  man  less  brave  might  hesitate  to  lay  plans  for 
emergencies,  but  with  you  it  is  different.  Therefore 
you  have  but  to  command  and  I  shall  obey.  I  shall 
send  word  to  Brunfels  of  my  own  safety  to  relieve  his 
anxiety,  and  I  shall  ask  him  to  keep  an  eye  on  the 
siege  if  you  care  to  have  me  do  so.  It  can  at  least 
bring  us  no  harm." 

The  Count  looked  at  the  speaker  with  an  expression 
in  which  distrust  seemed  to  be  fighting  with  gratifica- 
tion. There  was  at  first  a  lurking  fear  that  the  young 
man  was  trifling  with  him,  but  the  other's  serene 
countenance  gave  no  indication  of  lack  of  earnestness, 
and  Heinrich's  own  self-esteem  was  so  great  that  no 
praise  of  his  courage  could  seem  to  him  overdrawn. 
When  all  suspicion  of  Rodolph's  good  faith  had  been 
allayed,  he  said,  heartily : 

"  Send  what  message  you  will  to  the  Baron.  We 
may  be  none  the  worse  for  a  stroke  from  him  at  the 
right  time." 

With  that  the  Count  strode  away,  and  Rodolph 
gave  his  instructions  to  Conrad,  watching  him  ride 
from  the  gates  in  the  direction  of  the  Frankfort  road, 
with  the  passport  of  the  silk  merchant  in  his  pocket. 


ist. 

lion 

Ihat 

]nst 

kirn 

:lv. 


Mr 


■n 


I  1, 1 


■:        J-    'f 


CHAPTER   XVII. 


THE  envoy's  disastrous  RETURN. 

The  sun  rose  and  set,  and  rose  and  set  again,  before 
/  ,  news  came  to  Castle  Thuron.  There  was  no  sign  of 
an  enemy  ;  the  Moselle  valley,  as  seen  from  the  round 
towers,  seemed  a  very  picture  of  peace.  During  these 
two  days  the  air  was  still,  the  flag  drooped,  unflutter- 
ing,  from  'its  staff,  and  the  sun  shone  warmly  in  the 
serene  heavens.  Yet  there  was  something  ominous  in 
the  silence,  and  each  person  in  the  castle  felt,  more  or 
less,  the  tension  of  the  time.  Black  Heinrich  scanned 
the  distance  from  the  battlements  with  growing  im- 
patience, for,  like  all  men  of  action,  he  chafed  at  the 
delay  and  was  eager  for  the  fight  to  come  on,  even 
should  it  prove  disastrous  to  him.  Anything  seemed 
better  than  this  newsless  waiting.  The  huge  gates  were 
never  opened  ;  in  fact,  it  was  now  impossible  to  open 
them,  for  the  outer  courtyard  was  partly  filled  with 
sacks  of  grain  and  butts  of  wine,  which  were  piled  in  a 
great  heap  against  the  two  leaves  of  the  gate,  and 
any  one  desiring  to  depart  from  the  castle  had  to  climb 
/  down  from  the  platform  over  the  gates  by  a  ladder 

resting  there,  which  could  be  pulled  up  at  any  mo- 
ment's notice.  The  two  days  were  a  most  enjoyable 
interval  for  Rodolph,  who  spent  much  of  his  time,  in 
ever  increasing  delight,  with  the  Countess  Tekla.  Yet 
there  was  an  alloy  in  his  happiness.  He  felt  that  he 
was  not  wise  in  lingering  in  Thuron,  which  at  any 
moment  might  prove  a  trap  from  which  escape  was 
impossible,  either  through  the  Count  learning  who  he 
actually  was,  and  thereupon  imprisoning  him  to  make 
the  most  of  his  detention,  or  through  the  sudden  be- 
leaguering of  the  castle  by  forces  from  Treves.     His 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.   185 

confidence  that  Conrad  would  reach  his  friend  in  the 
house  by  the  city  wall  quieted  his  conscience,  which 
with  some  persistence  was  telling  him  that  he  neg- 
lected duty  and  high  affairs  of  state,  all  for  the  sake 
of  spending  the  golden  hours  with  a  fascinating  girl  of 
nineteen. 

But  these  qualms  left  him  when  in  her  presence,  and 
as  he  spent  much  of  his  time  with  her,  there  was  little 
chance  for  his  conscie.xe  to  work  a  reformation.  He 
consoled  himself  with  the  reflection  that  a  man  can  be 
young  but  once,  and  there  was  probably  a  long  life 
before  him  which  he  could  energetically  devote  to  the 
service  of  his  countr^\  He  knew  that  Baron  von 
Brunfels  would  carry  out  faithfully  his  instructions 
in  Frankfort,  and  if  the  Emperor's  presence  became 
necessary  there,  he  would  bring  on  a  force  that  neither 
the  Archbishop  nor  Black  Heinrich  could  cope  with, 
did  either  attempt  to  detain  him  against  his  will.  He 
had  unlimited  faith  in  Brunfels '  judgment,  and  thus 
he  lulled  disquieting  thought.  Nevertheless  he  knew 
that  his  place  was  at  Frankfort  and  not  in  Thuron, 
where,  if  the  turbulent  Archbishop  moved  an  armed 
man  without  his  sovereign's  consent,  that  sovereign 
could  emerge  from  the  capital  at  the  head  of  the 
German  army  and  bid  the  haughty  prelate  back  to 
Treves ;  yet  prudence  told  him  such  a  course  might 
plunge  the  country  into  civil  war,  for  he  knew  not  the 
exact  military  strength  of  the  Archbishop,  and  was 
well  aware  that  his  own  army  should  be  considerably 
augmented  before  it  undertook  so  hazardous  a  com- 
mission, for  nothing  short  of  overwhelming  force 
might  overawe  the  fighting  Lord  of  Treves.  In  truth 
it  was  to  see  for  himself  what  manner  of  man  the 
Archbishop  was,  and  to  form  some  estimate  of  the 
forces  at  his  back,  that  the  secret  journey  to  Treves 
had  been  taken,  now  so  strangely  deflected  from  its 
original  purpose.  Both  the  Emperor  and  von  Brun- 
fels believed  that  the  present  strength  of  the  army  at 
Frankfort  was  not  sufficient  to  cope  with  the  battal- 
ions of  Treves,  especially  if  the  Archbishops  of  Cologne 


1 86 


TEKLA. 


and  Mayence  made  common  cause  with  their  brother 
in  the  West — an  eventuality  not  at  all  improbable. 
The  first  step  then,  should  be  the  return  of  the 
Emperor  to  his  capital,  to  be  followed  by  a  quiet 
increase  of  the  imperial  army  until  it  reached  such 
strength  that  no  combination  could  prevail  against  it. 
Rodolph  knew  his  duty,  yet  silken  fetters  held  him 
from  action.  Had  he  been  certain  of  the  sentiments 
of  Tekla  regarding  himself  he  would  have  spoken  to 
her,  without  revealing  his  identity,  and  then  might 
perhaps  have  made  arrangement  with  her  uncle  by 
which  he  could  proceed  to  Frankfort,  but  although  the 
events  of  a  lifetime  had  been  compressed  within  the 
last  week,  yet  he  could  not  conceal  from  himself  the 
fact  that  the  Countess  had  known  him  for  three  or 
four  days  o^ly,  and  he  felt  that  to  speak  to  her  at  the 
present  moment  would  be  premature.  Of  course  it 
was  quite  within  his  right  to  assume  his  place  at  the 
head  of  the  state  once  more,  and  demand  the  lady,  in 
which  case  neither  her  guardian  nor  the  Count  would 
dare  refuse,  nor  would  one  of  them  be  the  least  likely  to 
refuse,  for  Black  Heinrich  was  not  .the  man  to  under- 
estimate the  qualification  of  relationship  with  an  Em- 
press. But  the  Emperor  was  in  no  mind  to  follow  the 
example  of  Count  Bertrich,  and  accept  an  unwilling 
wife. 

He  set  before  himself  the  enticing  task  of  winning 
the  lady  as  a  nameless  lord,  letting  her  imagine  that 
he  was  perhaps  not  her  equal  in  station  or  fortune,  and 
then,  when  consent  had  been  willingly  gained,  to  de- 
mand her  from  his  throne,  allowing  himself  to  dwell 
with  pleasure  on  her  amazement  at  learning  that  her 
Emperor  and  her  lover  were  one  and  the  same  person. 

But  there  was  savage  news  in  store  for  him,  and 
for  all  within  Castle  Thuron  ;  news  that  made  his 
rosy  dreams  dissolve  as  the  light  river  mists  dissolve 
before  the  fierce  midsummer  sun.  On  the  evening 
of  the  third  day  after  Conrad's  departure,  an  unkempt, 
tattered  figure  staggered  from  the  forest  and  came 
tottering  towards  the  gate  of  the  castle.    The  archer, 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.  187 


Uing 

ning 
that 
and 
de- 
well 
her 
rson. 
and 
his 
olve 
ning 

Pt. 
ame 

:hcr, 


on  duty  above  the  gate,  drew  string  to  ear  and  ordered 
the  fugitive  to  halt  and  explain  himself.  The  forlorn 
man  raised  his  hands  above  his  head,  gave  a  despairing 
upward  look,  took  two  faltering  steps  forward  and  fell 
prone  on  his  face,  as  the  bowman  relaxing  his  weapon, 
and  peering  eagerly  forward,  cried  aloud  : 

"  My  God,  it  is  Conrad  !  " 

Then  instantly  forgetting  his  duty  as  guardian  of 
the  gate,  he  dropped  bow  and  sprang  down  the 
ladder,  running  to  his  fallen  comrade.  The  news 
spread  through  the  castle  with  marvellous  rapidity, 
and  the  Black  Count  and  Rodolph  were  on  the  battle- 
ments above  the  gate  before  the  archer  and  some  of 
the  garrison  had  hoisted  the  insensible  man  up  the 
ladder. 

"  Take  him  to  the  great  hall ;  he  is  wounded  and 
seems  famished  as  well.  Perhaps  a  cup  of  wine  will 
revive  him  ;  meanwhile  keep  strict  watch  on  the  gate  ; 
those  who  have  pursued  him  cannot  be  far  distant. 
Draw  up  the  ladder  and  man  the  battlements,  Stein- 
metz." 

The  Captain  at  once  gave  the  necessary  commands, 
while  those  who  had  rescued  Conrad  carried  htm  to 
the  great  hall  and  laid  him  on  a  bench.  His  clothes 
were  in  rags,  and  his  face  gaunt  from  fatigue  or  want. 
As  Heinrich  had  suggested,  a  cup  of  wine  held  to  his 
lips  revived  him,  and,  opening  his  eyes,  he  glanced  at 
Rodolph  and  gasped : 

"  We  are  completely  surrounded,  my  Lord." 

"  Impossible !  "  cried  Rodolph.  "  The  Archbishop 
could  never  have  moved  his  troops  so  quickly." 

The  Black  Count  said  nothing,  but  scowled  down 
on  the  wounded  man,  whose  garments  the  leech  was 
removing  in  order  to  apply  ointment  to  wounds 
evidently  caused  by  shafts  from  the  crossbow.  John 
Surrey  looked  on  these  wounds  with  a  lofty  contempt, 
muttering : 

"  If  I  had  drawn  string  at  him  there  would  be 
fewer  hurts,  but  he  would  not  be  here  to  tell  what 
happened." 


f 


1 88 


TEKLA. 


Ml    I 
it     1 


Conrad  drank  a  full  flagon  of  wine,  which  revived 
him  sufficiently  to  enable  him  to  tell  his  adventures. 
He  had   directed  his  horse  towards  the  Roman  road 
between  Frankfort  and   Treves,  but  on   approaching 
it  saw  troops.    Turning  back  he  proceeded  further  west, 
but   came  again  upon   armed  men.     In   neither  case 
was  he  himself  seen.     Retracing  his  way,  he  tried  to 
pass  to  the  west,  nearer  to  the  river,  but  there  also  he 
found  an  encampment.     Surmising  now  that  the  wide 
space  between  the  Roman  road  and  the  Moselle  was 
in  the  Archbishop's  hands,  and   that   there  was  no 
chance  of  penetrating  towards  Treves  in  that  direction, 
he  resolved  to  make  for  Frankfort  itself,  get  to  the 
south  of  the  Roman  road,  and  reach  Treves  round 
about,  through  the  great  forest.     To  his  amazement 
here  also  he  saw  portions  of  the  army,  and  it  began 
to  dawn  ujion  him  that  the  castle  was  environed,  at 
least  on  the  south.     He  now  determined  to  make  no 
more  attempts  to    break  the   circle,   but    return   to 
Thuron  and  report  the  alarming  situation  he  had  dis- 
covered.    In  journeying  through  the  forest   towards 
the  castle  he  came  unexpectedly  upon  a  camp,  and 
there,  for  the  first  time,  was  seen  by  the  enemy.     He 
tried  flight,  but  a  crossbow  bolt  brought  down  his 
horse  and  resulted  in  his  capture.     It  never  occurred 
to  those  who  held  him  prisoner,  that  he  had  come 
from  Thuron  ;  in  fact  they  readily  believed  he  was, 
what  his  passport  proclaimed  him,  a  merchant  from 
Frankfort  who   was   trying   to    reach   Treves.     They 
assured  him  that  such  a  journey  was  impossible  at  the 
present  moment,  but  said  he  could  get  through  unmo- 
lested   when    the   troops    had    drawn   closer  round 
Thuron.     They  kept  him  merely  a  nominal  prisoner, 
paid  little  attention  to  him,  and  talked  freely  before 
him,  having  no   suspicion  that  he   belonged   to  the 
castle.      Nothing   was    said    of    the    flight    of    the 
Countess  Tekla,  and  he  surmised  from  this  that  her 
sudden   departure   was   unknown.      It  was    believed 
that  the  investment  of  Thuron  had  been  projected  for 
a  long  time,  and  that  the  Archbishop  had  struck  thus 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.   189 

suddenly  to  take  the  Black  Count  unaware.  From 
the  fact  that  the  troops  had  been  sent  along  the  Roman 
road  in  detachments,  Conrad  inferred  that  they  were 
there  when  Count  Bertrich  had  flung  his  glove  on  the 
floor  of  Thuron.  In  like  manner  part  of  an  army  had 
been  sent  down  the  river  to  Cochem,  and  from  that 
place  had  pushed  round  the  castle  on  the  north  side 
of  the  stream  until  they  sav*  their  comrades  on  the 
other  shore,  while  between  the  two  camps  a  chain  had 
been  stretched  and  all  traffic  up  and  down  the  river 
stopped.  But  the  most  startling  part  of  Con;  d's 
budget  was  this.  The  Archbishop  of  Cologne  had 
come  through  the  Eifel  region  to  Treves  .':)  id  liad 
joined  hands  with  his  colleague,  Arnold  von  Iren- 
berg.  Troops  vere  then  marching  up  the  Rhine  from 
Cologne,  and  the  two  Electors  had  made  common 
cause  regarding  the  reduction  of  Thuron.  The  army 
of  Treves  had  surrounded  the  castle,  and  would 
draw  closer  the  moment  the  army  of  Cologne  arrived. 
It  was  supposed  that  the  speedy  environment  of  the 
place  was  to  prevent  the  Black  Count  and  his  com- 
pany from  escaping  to  the  Rhine  or  to  Frankfort. 
Conrad  learned  all  this  on  the  evening  of  the  first  day, 
and,  watching  his  opportunity,  made  his  escape,  but 
was  seen  by  the  guards,  whose  bolts  came  near  to 
making  an  end  of  him.  For  two  nights  and  two  days 
he  wandered  without  food  in  the  forest,  not  knowing 
his  whereabouts,  and  following  streams  which  he 
expected  would  lead  him  to  the  Moselle,  but  was 
often  forced  to  abandon  them  because  of  the  hostile 
parties  encamped  near  their  waters,  and  thus  at  last 
he  had  reached  Thuron. 

The  Emperor  listened  to  this  recital,  appalled  at 
the  position  in  which  he  found  himself.  With  the 
two  Archbishops  besieging  the  castle,  there  would  be 
small  chance  of  his  reaching  Frankfort,  and  as  the 
ultimate  reduction  of  the  castle  was  now  certain,  he 
would  find  himself  the  prisoner  of  his  two  turbulent 
and  powerful  subjects,  Treves  and  Cologne,  confronted 
with  the  problem    of   whether  he    preferred    being 


190 


TEKLA. 


I J 


hanged  as  an  accomplice  of  the  dark  marauder  who 
stood  by  his  side,  or  revealing  his  identity  and  taking 
what  chance  might  offer  when  the  knowledge  was 
thus  brought  to  the  Archbishops.  Meanwhile  his 
friend,  Baron  von  Brunfels,  would  not  have  the  slight- 
est inkling  of  his  whereabouts,  and  if  the  disappear- 
ance of  the  Countess  was  thus  kept  secret,  as  seemed 
to  be  the  intention  of  Arnold  and  Count  Bertrich, 
Brunfels  would  not  be  able  to  hazard  even  a  guess. 
However,  there  was  this  consolation,  that  at  no  time 
could  he  have  escaped  from  Thuron.  He  was  in 
effect  trapped  the  moment  he  set  foot  within  its  gates. 
Had  he,  with  the  Countess,  set  out  the  following 
morning  for  Frankfort  they  would  evidently  have  been 
intercepted  by  the  Archbishop's  troops,  and  had  he 
alone  atteiapted  to  reach  his  capital  the  same  fate 
would  have*  been  in  store  for  him.  His  only  regret 
now  was  that  von  Brunfels  must  remain  in  ignorance 
of  his  position,  but,  as  he  had  done  his  best  to 
remedy  that,  he  could  only  blame  fate  for  its  unkind- 
ness  to  him. 

The  Black  Count  listened  in  sombre  taciturnity  to 
Conrad's  record  and  spoke  no  word  when  it  was 
finished,  but  stood  there  in  deep  thought,  his  eyes  on 
the  floor.  Rodolph  was  the  first  to  break  the  ensuing 
silence. 

"  You  see,  my  Lord  Count,  the  case  stands  as  I  ex- 
pected. It  was  Arnold's  intention  to  have  besieged 
you,  and  he  has  craftily  entered  into  negotiations  with 
Cologne,  doubtless  fearing  to  attack  you  alone.  This 
scheme  has  been  some  time  in  concocting,  and  the 
flight  of  the  Countess,  so  far  from  bringing  on  the 
contest,  has  merely  given  you  bare  time  for  prepara- 
tion." 

Heinrich  gave  utterance  to  an  exclamation  which 
can  be  designated  only  by  the  inelegant  term,  grunt. 
It  was  his  favourite  method  of  expression  when  per- 
turbed. He  did  not  raise  his  eyes  from  the  floor,  nor 
did  he  reply. 

'•  The  fact  that  two  Archbishops  instead  of  one  do 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.  191 


i'( 


nor 


you  the  honour  to  besiege  you  should  really  not  have 
much  bearing  on  the  result.  I  doubt  if  they  can  carry 
the  castle  by  storm,  so  their  numbers  are  of  little  avail 
to  them.  They  can  but  starve  you,  and  that  one 
Archbishop  could  have  done  as  well  as  two.  I  sup- 
pose you  have  at  least  a  year's  provision  now  in  the 
vaults?" 

"Two  years,"  answered  the  Black  Count,  gruflfly. 
•'  I  shall  turn  out  of  the  castle  all  but  fighting  men. 
Not  an  extra  mouth  shall  remain  within  the  walls." 

"You  surely  do  not  intend  to  turn  the  Countess 
Tekla  and  your  own  Countess  from  Thuron  ?  "  cried 
Rodolph  in  alarm.  ^  . 

Heinrich  looked  sullenly  at  him  for  some  moments, 
and  then  said : 

"  No.  Neither  do  I  care  to  be  questioned,  and,  least 
of  all,  interfered  with.  You  see  how  much  your 
precious  scheme  for  informing  Baron  von  Brunfels  is 
worth,  therefore  be  not  so  forward  with  advice  or 
comment." 

"  I  beg  to  call  your  Lordship's  attention  to  the  fact," 
said  Rodolph,  with  cool  firmness,  "  that  my  precious 
scheme  has  informed  you  of  the  odds  against  you. 
You  may  take  the  knowledge  with  the  petulance  of  a 
woman  or  the  courage  of  a  man,  as  best  befits  you. 
A  gloomy  brow  never  yet  encouraged  beleaguered 
garrison.  If  you  hold  off  this  pair  of  prelates  with 
their  armies  for  a  year  or  more,  then  will  your 
name  be  renowned  in  song  and  story  wherever  brave 
deeds  are  valued,  and  the  two  Archbishops  will  be- 
come the  laughing  stock  of  Christendom.  By  my 
good  sword,  the  carvers  of  the  Black  Forest  shall  make 
wooden  figures  of  them  but^^ing  their  twin  heads 
against  Thuron,  and  the  children  of  the  world  from 
now  till  doomsday  will  pull  a  string  to  see  them 
jump.  'As  foolish  and  as  futile  as  the  two  Arch- 
bishops* will  pass  into  a  proverb,  or  perhaps  it  will  be 
*  As  brave  as  Heinrich  of  Thuron.*  You  have  indeed 
an  opportunity  which  falls  to  but  few,  if  you  meet  it 
with  unwr'nkled  brow." 


'a 

ii 


192 


TEKLA. 


The  Count's  countenance  had  perceptibly  cleared 
while  ^his  recital  was  going  on,  but  he  made  no  direct 
reply,  merely  telling  the  attendants  to  convey  Conrad 
to  a  room  and  see  that  he  was  well  cared  for.  Then 
he  asked  that  Captain  Steinmetz  be  brought  before 
him,  and  when  that  ruddy,  uncomely  officer  entered, 

he  said : 

"  Have  you  disposed  your  men  along  the  walls?" 

"Yes,  my  Lord." 

"  Are  any  of  the  Archbishop's  troops  yet  in  sight  ?  " 

"No,  my  Lord." 

"  Send  a  trusty  man  to  Aiken,  and  tell  the  dwellers 
therein  that  we  are  to  be  besieged  by  the  Archbishops 
of  Treves  and  Cologne.  Ask  them  to  spread  the 
news  along  either  bank  of  the  river  with  these  instruc- 
tions, that  all  are  to  make  the  best  terms  with  the 
Archbishops'  they  can;  to  sell  their  provisions  and 
wine  for  the  most  money  obtainable,  preferring  the 
gold  to  their  Lordships'  blessings,  if  they  take  my  ad- 
vice. Tell  them  I  shall  look  out  for  myself,  but  that 
I  cannot  offer  protection  to  any  outside  the  castle 
walls;  therefore,  I  shall  in  future,  if  victorious,  not 
hold  it  against  any  man  that  he  has  saved  his  skin,  or 
his  grain,  or  his  wine,  by  denouncing  me.  Make  all 
arrangement  for  the  women  folk  and  very  old  men 
who  are  now  in  the  castle.  Pay  for  a  year's  keep  of 
each  of  them,  and  say  that  if  more  money  is  required 
I  shall  see  they  get  it.  Marshal  the  non-combatants 
over  the  wall  and  down  the  ladders  as  quickly  as  may 
be,  and  if  any  have  friends  in  the  village  with  whom 
they  prefer  to  lodge,  arrange  it  to  their  satisfaction." 

**  All  the  women,  my  Lord  ?  "  cried  Steinmetz,  in 
astonishment. 

"  All  the  women  in  the  castle,  with  the  exception  of 
my  wife  and  my  niece,  and  all  the  old  men  incapable 
of  bearing  arms." 

Steinmetz  hesitated,  yet  seemed  incapable  of  protest. 

"  Well !  "  roared  the  Black  Count. 

"  There  will  be  grumbling  among  the  men,  my 
Lord." 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.   193 


Heinrich  brought  his  huge  fist  down  on  the  table 
with  a  resounding  blow. 

"  Bring  me  the  head  of  the  first  man  who  grumbles. 
Go  and  execute  your  orders,  send  the  women  away  at 
once,  and  they  will  the  sooner  make  terms  with  their 
innkeepers." 

Steinmetz  departed,  and  the  Black  Count  strode  up 
and  down  the  room,  muttering  to  himself  and  scowl- 
ing like  a  demon.  Rodolph  saw  he  was  not  in  a 
humour  to  be  remonstrated  with,  and  so  said  nothing ; 
indeed  he  understood  the  military  necessity  of  the 
apparently  harsh  measures  the  Count  proposed  in  de- 
porting from  the  castle  all  those  who  were  not  neces- 
sary to  its  defence,  yet  who  would  likely  come  to  no 
ill  through  leaving  the  fortress.  For  a  long  time  there 
was  silence  in  the  room,  broken  only  by  the  Count's 
measured  stride  on  the  oaken  floor,  in  the  centre  of 
which  Count  Bertrich's  glove  lay  pinned  with  arrows. 
Rodolph  himself  was  in  no  pleasant  temper,  and  he 
looked  ahead  with  some  dismay  toward  imprisonment 
in  a  castle  which  was  commanded  by  so  rude  and  dis- 
agreeable a  person  as  the  swarthy  Count.  The  archer 
stood  guard  at  the  door,  having  been  set  there  by  the 
Count's  command  when  Steinmetz's  men  took  their 
places  on  the  walls.  Rodolph  wished  that  he  might 
go  to  the  entrance  and  talk  with  the  good-natured 
bowman  as  an  antidote  to  the  gruflness  of  the  Count, 
whom  he  found  becoming  more  and  more  unbearable. 
There  had  been  moments  when  he  thought  the  Count 
might  be  won  over  by  judicious  flattery  and  soothing 
compliments,  but  as  he  learned  more  of  his  tempera- 
ment he  saw  that  all  this  had  but  a  transient  effect 
upon  him ;  that,  indeed,  the  Count  resented  any  supe- 
rior readiness  shown  by  others  in  conversation,  and,  in 
addition,  had  a  nature  so  suspicious  that  after  having 
had  time  to  think  on  what  had  been  said,  he  became 
more  intractable  than  ever,  evidently  coming  to  the 
conclusion  that  the  wheedling  phrases  used  to  him  had 
been  spoken  for  the  purpose  of  mollifying  him  and 
attaining  certain  ends,  all  of  which  he  resented. 


I 


! 


194 


TEKLA. 


!  i' 


Presently  Rodolph  was  startled  from  his  reverie  by 
the  entrance  of  the  Countess  Tekla,  accompanied  by 
Hilda, who  was  weeping.  A  rich  colour  mantled  the 
cheeks  of  the  Countess,  and  it  needed  no  second 
glance  to  see  that  she  was  in  a  state  of  angry  indigna- 
tion. Rodolph,  remembering  that  she  expected  to 
civilise  her  uncle,  began  to  have  doubts  of  her  success. 
Heinrich  stopped  in  his  walk  when  she  came  in,  and 
glared  blackly  at  her  but  without  speaking.  \. 

"  Oh,  uncle,  uncle ! "  cried  Tekla,  her  voice  show- 
ing she  was  nearer  tears  than  the  haughty  expression 
of  her  face  indicated,  "  you  surely  cannot  intend  that 
Hilda  and  I  are  to  be  separated,  and  that  she,  a 
stranger  to  all  here  and  in  Aiken,  is  to  be  taken  to  the 
village  ?  " 

"  I  will  have  no  intttference  with  my  orders,  Tekla 
— not  from  a»ny  one." 

"  But  one  person  more  or  less  can  make  no  differ- 
ence in  the  result  of  the  siege.  If  you  think  it  will, 
give  Hilda  and  me  a  single  share  of  food  between  us, 
but  do  not  send  her  away." 

The  Black  Count  with  almost  inarticulate  rage  at 
this  crossing  of  his  will,  beat  the  table  with  his  fist 
repeatedly,  but  seemed  unable  to  speak.  He  stuttered, 
with  white  foam  flecking  his  lips  and  his  black  beard. 
Rodolph  edged  nearer  the  Countess,  and  in  a  whisper 
begged  her  to  go  away ;  that  unexpected  tidings 
seemed  to  have  for  the  moment  overcome  the  Count's 
self-control. 

"  But  they  are  waiting  outside  to  take  Hilda  with 
them.  They  will  seize  her  unless  the  order  is  counter- 
manded," cried  the  Countess. 

"  It  is  war,  you  fool ! "  at  last  roared  the  Count. 
"If  I  have  another  word  from  you,  huzzy!  I  shall 
send  you  also  with  your  Treves  trollop ;  a  fine  to-do 
about  a  menial  like  her !  And  from  you,  who  are  the 
cause  of  all  our  trouble." 

"  You  know  that  is  a  lie,"  said  Rodolph,  quietly. 

The  Count  turned  on  the  young  man  with  an  ex- 
pression like  that  of  a  ravenous  wolf ;  his  jaw  dropped, 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.   19S 

showing  his  white  teeth  against  the  jet  black  of  his 
beard.  He  seemed  about  to  spring  at  Rodolph's 
throat,  but  his  wild  eye,  wandering  to  the  door,  saw 
the  dreaded  archer  on  the  alert,  watching  with  ab- 
sorbed interest  the  loud-talking  group  in  the  centre  of 
the  room.  His  weapon  seemed  itself  on  the  alert, 
and  there  was  enough  of  sanity  somewhere  in  the 
Count's  brain  to  bid  him  pause  in  his  projected  on- 
slaught. But  the  fact  that  he  had  to  check  himself 
added  fuel  to  his  anger. 

"  Get  you  out  of  this  ! "  he  shrieked ;  "  all  of  you. 
I  am  master  of  this  castle,  and  none  breathes  herein 
but  by  my  permission,  man  or  woman.  Whoever 
questions  my  authority  by  word  or  look,  dies.  Now, 
out  with  you !  " 

Before  any  could  move  Steinmetz  strode  into  the 
hall,  holding  by  the  hair  a  human  head  lopped  off  at 
the  neck,  raggedly,  the  red  drops  falling  on  the  floor 
as  he  walked. 

"  There,  my  Lord,"  he  said,  holding  up  the  ghastly 
trophy  at  arm's  length,  while  he  cast  a  malignant  leer 
at  Rodolph,  who  involuntarily  shrank  from  the  hid- 
eous object.  Even  the  Black  Count  himself  seemed 
taken  aback  by  the  sudden  apparition  that  confronted 
him. 

"  What  .  .  .  what  is  that  ?  "  he  stammered. 

"The  head  of  the  first  man  who  grumbled  at  your 
command  about  the  women,  my  Lord.  I  obeyed  your 
orders  and  struck  off  his  head." 

Rodolp.i,  pale  as  the  dead  face,  stepped  hurriedly 
between  it  and  the  Countess,  but  not  in  time  to  pre- 
ve*At  her  getting  sight  of  it.  She  raised  a  terrified 
scream  that  rang  to  the  rafters  and  covered  her  eyes 
with  her  hands,  tottering  backwards,  while  Hilda  im- 
plored her  to  withdraw,  saying  she  would  go  any- 
where the  Count  ordered,  and  begged  her  mistress  not 
to  cross  him.  Rodolph  sprang  quickly  to  the  side  of 
the  Countess  and  supported  her.  The  scream  once 
more  aroused  the  tigerous  anger  of  her  uncle.  His 
eyes  shot  fire  as  he  shouted  : 


196 


TEKLA. 


I 


lall 


"  You  did  right,  Steinmetz,  and  I  am  glad  there  is 
one  man  in  the  castle  who  obeys  the  master  of  it  un- 
questioning. It  is  war !  "  and  as  with  increased 
violence  the  Black  Count  roared  these  words,  he  smote 
the  Jjrinning  head  with  his  gigantic  paw  and  sent  it 
spinning  along  the  floor  like  a  round  projectile  from  a 
catapult. 

"  It  is  not  war,  it  is  murder  !  "  wailed  the  Countess. 
**  There  is  a  curse  on  this  doomed  roof,  and  it  shall 
fall  in  deserved  ruin." 

"  Hush,  hush,"  whispered  Rodolph  in  her  ear. 
"  Bend  to  the  storm ;  nothing  can  be  done  with  him 
now." 

"  I  am  going  with  Hilda ;  I  am  going  with  Hilda. 
I  care  not  where,  so  long  as  it  is  away  from  Thuron." 

"  No,  no.  Hilda  will  be  safe  enough,  while  you 
are  not,  outside  those  walls.  Let  me  conduct  you  to 
your  apartments,  and  I  will  be  surety  that  you  shall 
.see  Hilda  shortly.  For  her  sake  as  well  as  your  own, 
bend  to  the  storm.  Don't  you  see  you  are  dealing 
with  a  madman  ?  " 

Count  Heinrich  stood  watching  them,  laughing  in 
short  snarling  harsh  snatches  that  did  indeed  re- 
semble the  ejaculations  of  a  lunatic,  but  he  made  no 
attempt  to  interfere  with  them.  Hilda,  thoroughly 
hysterical  through  fear,  leaving  her  mistress  in  the  care 
of  Rodolph,  had  flung  herself  at  the  feet  of  the  Count, 
beseeching  him  to  deal  with  her  as  he  pleased,  saying 
she  would  go  anywhere  he  ordered  her  to  go,  and  in 
the  same  breath  imploring  him  not  to  be  harsh  with 
her  mistress. 

"  Take  her  away,  Steinmetz,"  commanded  Hein- 
rich, spurning  her  with  his  foot.  "  Send  her  down  to 
the  village." 

The  Captain,  grasping  her  wrist,  jerked  her  rudely  to 
her  feet,  pushed  past  Rodolph  and  the  Countess, 
dragging  the  girl  out  with  him.  The  Countess  seemed 
again  about  to  protest,  pausing  in  he.*  progress,  but 
the  young  man  urged  her  towards  the  door,  still  coun- 
selling  silence. 


THE  ENVOY'S  DISASTROUS  RETURN.   197 

"Shall  I  pin  him  to  the  wall?"  whispered  the 
archer,  who  had  been  watching  the  scene  with  wide 
open  eyes,  his  fingers  twitching  for  the  string,  on  ten- 
sion for  any  sign  from  his  master  that  might  be  con- 
structed into  permission  to  launch  a  shaft.  **  It  seems 
high  time." 

"No,"  said  Rodolph,  sternly.  "Keep  true  guard 
where  you  stand.     See  nothing,  and  say  nothing." 

Man  and  woman  disappeared,  leaving  the  archer 
murmuring  that  he  wished  his  master  had  some  cour- 
age. The  Black  Count  now  alone,  except  for  the 
silent  archer  at  the  door,  resumed  his  walk  up  and 
down,  first  savagely  kicking  the  decapitated  head  from 
his  path. 


;•! 


I't 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

■,'  ■  1       ■  '         '  '  t   >i'  ''i  "■    V*,'    ■''■        '  '' 

A  TWO-HANDED  SWORD  TEACHES   DEPORTMENT. 

The  archer  on  guard  in  the  Rittersaal  stood  with 
his  back  to  the  doorway,  bow  ready  to  hand,  his 
mouth  pursed  as  if  he  were  silently  whistling,  his  eyes 
upraised  to  the  ceiling,  seeing  nothing  and  saying 
nothing,  as  had  been  his  orders.  There  was  a  look  of 
seraphic  calm  on  his  face,  as  if  he  had  never  spent  a 
more  enjoyable  half-hour  than  that  which  had  just  so 
tumultuously  terminated. 

In  a  short  time  the  heavy  curtains  that  concealed 
the  entrance  to  the  room  parted,  and  the  Emperor  re- 
entered alone.  His  face  was  pale  and  his  lips  were 
tightly  drawn.  The  Count  stopped  in  his  walk  at  the 
further  end  of  the  room,  and  turned  to  face  the  in- 
comer. 

"  Well,  my  Lord,"  he  said,  a  savage  leer  of  triumph 
in  his  red  eyes,  "  you  have  seen,  I  hope,  who  is  master 
of  this  castle.  There  have  been  indications  that  you 
supposed  I  was  to  be  cajoled  by  flattery  into  relaxing 
my  authority ;  but  we  shall  have  no  more  of  that,  I 
trust,  and  there  will  hereafter  be  no  question  regard- 
ing whose  will  is  law  within  these  walls." 

**  On  the  contrary,  Count  of  Thuron,"  said  Rodolph, 
with  deferential  smoothness,  "it  is  that  very  question 
I  now  propose  to  discuss  with  you." 

**  I  will  have  no  more  discussion,"  cried  the  Count, 
his  anger  returning.  "  There  shall  be  nothing  but  the 
giving  of  orders  here  and  the  prompt  obedience  of 
them." 

"  Ah,  in  that  I  quite  follow  your  Lordship,  and 
have  great  pleasure  for  once  in  agreeing  entirely  with 


A  SWORD  TEACHES  DEPORTMENT.   199 

the  valiant  Count  of  the  lower  Moselle.  Archer,  close 
the  doors  and  bar  them." 

The  archer,  a  smile  coming  into  his  cherubic  face, 
dived  behind  the  hangings  and  disappeared. 

"  Hold  !  "  roared  the  Count.  "  Stand  to  your  guard, 
and  obey  no  orders  but  mine." 

There  came  from  behind  the  curtains  the  clanking 
sound  of  the  two  heavy  oaken  leaves  clashing  to- 
gether, then  the  shooting  of  bolts  and  the  down-com- 
ing of  the  weighty  timber  bar,  capable  of  standing 
almost  any  assault  likely  to  be  made  against  them. 
Again  the  rich  hangings  parted  and  the  archer  stood 
once  more  before  them,  his  eyes  on  the  ceiling  and 
lips  prepared  to  whistle. 

"  Do  you  mean  to  defy  me  in  my  own  hall  of 
Thuron  ?  "  said  the  Count,  in  low,  threatening  tones, 
glaring  luridly  from  under  his  bushy  black  brows  at 
his  opponent. 

"  Oh,  defiance  is  a  cheap  commodity,  and  I  have 
heard  much  of  it  since  I  entered  this  castle.  Of  rant- 
ing and  of  shouting  I  have  had  enough.  I  propose 
now  to  see  what  capable  action  is  at  the  back  of  all 
this  plenitude  of  wind." 

The  wall  to  the  right  was  covered  with  many 
weapons  and  hung  with  armour.  The  Emperor  took 
down  a  huge  two-handed  sword,  similar  to  the  terrific 
weapon  Beilstein's  captain  had  used  so  futilely  against 
him  at  Bruttig.  He  held  it  in  both  hands  and  seemed 
to  estimate  the  weight  of  it,  shaking  it  before  him. 
Then  with  the  point  of  this  sword  placed  under  a 
similar  weapon  that  hung  against  the  wall,  he  flipped 
it  from  its  fastenings  and  sent  it,  with  ringing  clangor, 
to  the  floor  almost  at  the  feet  of  the  Black  Count, 
who  stood  with  folded  arms  and  face  like  a  thunder 
cloud,  watching  the  movements  of  the  younger  man. 
He  was  swordsman  enough  to  know  that  the  very 
manner  in  which  Rodolph  handled  the  weapon  to 
estimate  its  weight  and  balance,  proved  him  an  adver- 
sary not  to  be  lightly  encountered.  He  made  no 
motion  to  lift  the  blade  at  his  feet. 


200 


TEKLA. 


*'  Is  this,  then,  to  be  a  duel  at  which  no  witnesses  of 
mine  are  present  ?  " 

*•  It  is  no  duel,"  cried  Rodolph,  his  control  over 
himself  for  the  moment  dissolving  in  the  white  heat 
of  his  continued  anger.  "  It  is  to  be  the  chastisement 
of  a  craven  hound.  Not  a  single  honourable  wound 
shall  I  inflict  upon  you.  You  shall  either  kill  me,  or 
I  will  punish  you  as  a  cowardly  dog  is  punished. 
Up  with  your  sword,  courageous  frightener  of  women, 
up  with  your  sword,  and  let  us  see  what  it  will  do  for 
you." 

The  archer,  breathing  hard,  had  difficulty  in  fixing 
his  eyes  on  the  ceiling,  and  in  endeavouring  to  con- 
ceal his  excitement  he  began  actually  to  whistle,  the 
infectious  refrain,  "  The  devil  is  black,"  coming  to 
his  lips,  and  disturbing  rather  than  breaking  the 
silence  whichi  followed  Rodolph's  words.  The  Count 
still  did  not  bend  his  back,  but  stood  there  with  his 
arms  across  his  breast.  The  whistling  turned  his  at- 
tention to  the  door.  The  Emperor  looked  round, 
annoyed  at  the  interruption,  whereupon  the  refrain 
suddenly  ceased,  and  the  bowm*an's  eyes  again  sought 
the  ceiling. 

"  I  understand,"  said  the  Black  Count  slowly.  "  It 
is  a  most  admirable  arrangement.  When  I  have  you 
at  my  mercy  your  follower  there  is  ready  to  turn  your 
defeat  into  a  victory  by  sending  shaft  through  my 
body;  assassination  beautifully  planned  under  the 
guise  of  fair  fight." 

"  Archer,"  commanded  Rodolph,  "  unbar  again  the 
door  and  place  bow  and  arrows  outside,  then  fasten 
bolts  once  more." 

"  My  Lord,"  demurred  Surrey,  "  that  will  arrest 
attention  and  lead  to  interference,  which  is  doubtless 
what  his  Darkness  desires,  for  the  devil  is  not  only 
black  but  treacherous." 

••  There  is  truth  in  that,"  admitted  the  Emperor. 
"  Unstring  your  bow,  then,  and  give  it  to  me." 

When  the  archer  had  done  this  with  visible  reluc- 
tance, for  he  was  like  a  fish  out  of  water  deprived  of 


1 
A  SWORD  TEACHES  DEPORTMENT,   201 


his  lithe  instrument,  Rodolph,  passing  the  Count, 
flung  the  bow  into  the  farther  corner  of  the  room,  and 
returned  to  his  place  nearer  the  door. 

"  Now,  my  Lord  Count,"  he  said,  "  if  you  defeat  me 
you  can  easily  keep  the  unarmed  archer  away  from 
his  weapon.  If  he  calls  for  help,  it  will  be  your  own 
men  who  answer,  for  my  only  other  follower  lies 
sorely  wounded  in  your  service.  If,  on  the  other  hand, 
I  defeat  you,  the  archer  will  have  no  need  of  his  bow. 
Is  your  chivalrous  spirit  now  content  ?  You  have, 
lion-like,  out-faced  the  women,  and  sent  them  beaten 
from  your  presence  ;  let  me  see  you  now  stand  up  to 
a  man,  for  I  swear  to  you  that  if  I  hear  another  word 
from  those  lips  until  you  fight,  I  will  throw  knightly 
weapon  aside  and  assault  you  with  the  back  of  my 
hand." 

The  Count,  stooping,  raised  the  sword,  swung  it 
powerfully  this  way  and  that,  then  whirled  it  round 
his  head.  Unpleased  with  it,  he  strode  to  the  wall 
and  took  down  another  and  a  heavier  one.  Rodolph 
stood  in  an  attitude  of  defence,  watching  intently 
every  movement  of  his  enemy,  turning  his  body  to 
face  him  as  he  walked  to  the  wall  and  back.  The 
Count  was  a  stalwart  man  somewhat  past  the  prime 
of  life,  so  far  as  active  swordsmanship  goes.  Rodolph 
having  quickly  thrown  off  his  doublet,  standing  in  his 
shirt  sleeves,  with  their  lace  ruffles  at  their  wrists, 
seemed  no  less  powerful,  and  youth  gave  him  an  agility 
which  was  denied  the  elder  man.  But  the  Count  was 
partly  encased  in  mail,  while  his  rival  had  no  such 
protection  ;  a  disastrous  inequality  should  the  oppos- 
ing sword  break  through  his  defence.  Europe  came 
later  to  know  Rodolph  a  master  of  weapons,  as  he 
was  of  statesmanship,  but  at  this  time  the  Count  little 
anticipated  what  he  was  about  to  face,  and  had  no 
reason  to  doubt  that  he  himself  was  a  match  for  any 
swordsman  in  the  Empire. 

With  bull-dog  bravery  he  launched  himself  upon 
the  young  man,  swinging  his  gigantic  weapon  with  an 
case  and  dexterity  which,  considering  the  weight  of  it* 


\\ 


!■■ 


202 


TEKLA. 


was  little  short  of  marvellous.  That  he  had  deter- 
mined to  kill,  and  not  to  wound,  was  evident  from  the 
first  flash  of  his  massive  blade.  Rodolph,  strictly  on 
the  defensive,  gave  way  before  him  inch  by  inch. 
Thus  the  two,  their  falchions  glittering  like  lightning 
shafts  around  their  heads,  came  slowly  down  the  long 
length  of  the  great  room,  admirable  for  such  a  contest, 
except  for  the  semi-gloom  that  pervaded  it.  There 
was  no  sound  save  the  ring  of  steel  on  steel.  The 
archer  stood  with  his  back  against  the  curtain,  his 
hands  on  his  hips,  body  inclined  towards  the  com- 
batants, neck  craned  forward,  every  muscle  tense, 
almost  breathless  with  the  excitement  of  the  moment. 
His  master's  back  was  in  alignment  with  him,  and  he 
saw  with  dismay  his  almost  imperceptible  retreat. 
Through  the  shimmering  of  the  whirling  steel  the  wild 
eyes  of  the  Count  glared  like  sparks  of  fire,  filled  with 
relentless  hate  and  a  confidence  of  victory.  Some- 
times the  blades  struck  a  shower  of  sparks  that  en- 
veloped the  fighters  like  a  sudden  glow  of  flame, 
illuminating  the  dark  timbers  of  the  ceiling,  and 
drawing  scintillations  of  light  from  the  polished 
weapons  along  the  wall.  Backward  and  backward 
came  Rodolph,  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  archer,  who 
liked  not  this  slow  retreat,  and  wondered  at  it ;  think- 
ing perhaps  his  master  came  thus  toward  him  expect- 
ing something  from  him  which  he  had  not  the  wit  to 
understand,  but  determining  to  intervene  with  his  bare 
hands  if  his  master's  safety  demanded  it.  Why  had 
he  foolishly  been  deprived  of  his  bow  ?  He  thought 
of  stealing  to  the  corner  and  re-possessing  himself  of 
it,  but  feared  Rodolph's  displeasure,  so  stood  rigid  and 
helpless,  looking  at  this  contest  of  the  giants,  quailing 
at  the  inch  by  inch  retreat.  No  human  being  could 
hope  to  keep  up  for  long  that  onslaught,  yet  no  sword 
stroke  came  through  the  cool  guard  of  Rodolph.  The 
archer  began  at  length  to  see  with  an  exultation  he 
could  scarcely  keep  from  translating  into  a  victorious 
shout,  that  despite  the  yielding  foot  by  foot  his 
master  seemed   covered   by   a  roof  of  steel.     Black 


A  SWORD  TEACHES  DEPORTMENT.   203 

Heinrich  might  as  well  have  rained  his  blows  on  the 
main  round  towers  of  his  own  castle ;  in  fact,  he  could 
have  done  so  with  more  visible  efTect. 

As  the  clashing  tornado  of  strokes  went  on  without 
cessation,  the  archer  began  to  wish  he  could  see  the 
face  of  his  friend  and  master,  but  he  dared  not  move 
from  the  spot.  The  Count  was  quite  manifestly  begin- 
ning to  feel  the  effects  of  his  own  fury.  His  brow 
was  corded  and  huge  beads  of  sweat  rolled  down  his 
forehead  and  dripped  into  his  eyes,  interfering  with 
his  sight  and  causing  him,  now  and  then,  to  shake  his 
head  savagely,  thus  momentarily  clearing  his  vision. 
The  same  motion  scattered  the  foam  gathering  at  his 
open  lips,  and  flecked  white  splotches  on  his  black 
beard.  Rodolph's  attitude  had  been  practically  un- 
changed since  the  contest  began,  with  the  ever  shift- 
ing backward  motion,  and  now  as  the  two  neared  the 
entrance  end  of  the  long  room,  the  swing  of  the  Count's 
blade  had  giadually  become  automatic  as  it  were,  re- 
sembling mea  lured  strokes  regulated  by  machinery, 
rather  than  designed  and  varied  by  a  sentient  human 
brain.  In  response  to  this,  Rodolph's  defence  took 
on  a  similar  fixity  and  regularity  of  movement,  and  to 
the  onlooker  it  seemed  that  the  fight  might  so  con- 
tinue indefinitely,  until  one  or  the  other  dropped 
from  sheer  exhaustion. 

Suddenly  Rodolph  stepped  swiftly  back,  whirled 
his  blade  round  his  head  with  a  speed  that  made  it 
whistle  in  the  air  like  a  gale  through  a  key  hole,  and, 
in  its  sweep  from  right  to  left,  curving  upward,  it 
caught  the  downward  stroke  of  Heinrich's  sword  near 
the  hilt  with  irresistible  impact,  whirled  the  weapon 
out  of  the  Count's  hands,  and  sent  it  flying  to  the  left 
wall,  from  which,  ringing  against  the  armour,  it  fell 
clattering  to  the  floor.  Rodolph,  letting  the  point  of 
his  weapon  rest  at  his  feet,  leaned  his  arms  on  the 
transverse  piece,  which  gave  the  sword  the  appearance 
of  a  cross,  and  stood  thus  regarding  his  antagonist, 
who,  as  if  the  hilt  he  had  grasped  had  been  the  source 
of  his  motion,  remained  in  exactly  the  posture  he 


204 


TEKLA. 


held  when  it  was  struck  out  of  his  hands.  He  resem- 
bled a  figure  turned  suddenly  to  stone  by  the  sweep 
of  a  magician's  wand.  Leaning  forward,  his  hands 
outstretched,  the  one  before  the  other,  as  if  holding  an 
invisible  weapon,  the  spasmodic  heaving  of  his  breast 
was  the  only  motion  that  agitated  his  indurate  frame. 
For  the  first  time  Rodolph  saw  in  his  eyes  a  lurking 
flash  of  fear. 

"  Take  a  moment's  breathing  space,  my  Lord 
Count,"  said  the  Emperor.  "  If  you  exhaust  yourself 
before  attack  begins  how  can  your  defence  prosper?  " 
Then  turning  his  head  he  said,  across  his  shoulder, 
"Bring  the  Count  his  sword,  archer." 

Surrey  saw  with  jubilation  that  there  was  no  sign  of 
fatigue  on  the  calm  face  turned  to  him,  and  he  had 
difficulty  in  smothering  a  joyous  whoop  as  he  picked 
up  the  weapon  and  gave  it  to  Black  Heinrich,  who, 
taking  it  like  a  man  in  a  dream,  backed  cautiously  to 
the  spot  where  the  fight  had  begun.  It  needed  no 
second  glance  to  see  that  his  unexpected  disarming 
had  thoroughly  demoralised  him  ;  yet  he  made  no 
appeal  for  mercy,  but  stood  there  in  sullen  obstinacy 
awaiting  the  attack  which  would  bring  death  to  him 
were  his  antagonist  bent  on  killing  him. 

**  Defend  yourself,"  cried  Rodolph,  advancing  to- 
wards him.  The  other  took  a  firmer  grip  of  his  sword 
hilt  and  stood  ready.  The  contest  was  scarcely  of  a 
moment's  duration.  The  Emperor  struck  down  his 
guard  several  times  in  succession  until  Heinrich  could 
have  no  doubt  that  he  stood  entirely  at  the  assailant's 
mercy  whenever  he  chose  to  take  advantage  of  a  de- 
fence that  availed  nothing;  then  whirling  his  weapon 
several  times  round  his  head  while  Heinrich  guarded 
here  and  there  in  doubt  where  the  blow  was  about  to 
fall,  Rodolph  dealt  the  Count  a  fearful  blow  on  the 
cheek  with  the  flat  of  the  sword  and  sent  him  head  over 
heels  with  a  clatter  of  armour  and  the  jingling  of  the 
liberated  sword  danc'ng  along  the  floor.  The  Count 
lay  where  he  fell,  so  dazed  that  he  held  his  elbow 
above  his  head  as  if  that  would  protect  it. 


1    %''.: 


A  SWORD  TEACHES  DEPORTMENT.   205 


no 


"  Get  up,  you  craven  dog !  "  cried  the  Emperor, 
the  fever  of  battle  unloosing  his  hitherto  suppressed 
rage.  "  Get  up,  you  terroriser  of  women,  you  execu- 
tioner of  defenceless  men.  Stand  on  your  feet  and 
don't  cringe  there  like  a  whipped  spaniel." 

But  the  man  remained  prone  and  mad^  no  motion 
to  help  himself.  Rodolph  raised  his  sword  once  or 
twice  and  seemed  about  to  strike  his  fallen  foe  with 
the  .flat  of  it,  but  he  could  not  bring  himself  .0  hit  a 
helpless  enemy,  so  flinging  the  blade  ^'0  the  wall  where 
its  companion  lay,  he  walked  down  the  room,  took  up 
his  doublet,  and  put  it  on. 

For  a  few  moments  he  paced  up  Sind  down  the 
room  as  the  Count  had  done,  then  seeing  Heinrich 
getting  somewhat  unsteadily  to  his  feet  Rodolph 
stopped  and  watched  the  very  gradual  uprising.  The 
side  of  Black  Heinrich's  face  was  bruised  and  swollen, 
and  he  rubbed  it  tenderly  with  his  open  hand. 

"  Now,  my  Lord  Count,  if  you  are  ready,  we  shall 
conclude  this  discussion  regarding  the  exercise  of 
authority  within  this  castle." 

"  Oh,  take  the  castle,"  cried  its  owner,  dolorously, 
"  and  the  devil  give  you  good  of  it." 

'•  I  have  no  wish  to  deprive  you  of  castle  or  of  any- 
thing else.  I  fought  that  our  lives  and  liberties  may 
not  be  at  the  disposal  of  a  truculent  coward." 

"  I  am  no  coward,  my  Lord,  as  you  yourself  will 
willingly  admit  when  you  are  cooler.  It  is  little  dis- 
grace to  me  that  I  fell  before  such  sword-play  as 
vours,  the  like  of  which  was  never  before  seen  in 
Germany.  If  you  have  no  distrust  of  me,  I  have  no 
rancour  against  you  for  what  has  happened,  and  I  am 
content  to  acknowledge  my  master  when  I  meet  him. 
What,  then,  have  you  to  propose  to  me?  " 

*•  I  have  invited  no  witnesses  to  this  bout,  not 
because  I  wished  to  take  unfair  advantage,  as  you  sug- 
gested, but  so  that  you  might  not  be  humiliated  be- 
fore your  own  men.  The  archer  here  will  keep  a  still 
tongue  anent  what  he  has  seen.  You  will  bear  me 
out  in  the  promise  of  that,  Surrey  ?  " 


IIP 


'f 


206  ^  TEKLA. 

"  I  will  not  mention  it,  even  to  the  bow,  my 
Lord." 

"  Very  well.  Then,  Count  Heinrich,  you  have 
nothing  to  fear  if  you  play  fairly.  Are  you  honest 
when  you  say  you  will  bear  no  malice  ?  " 

•*  I  am  honest,"  said  the  Count,  rubbing  his  swollen 
cheek,  adding  with  a  grunt,  "  indeed,  I  have  every 
reason  for  wishing  you  my  friend." 

"  We  will  take  it  so.  Archer,  place  the  swords 
where  they  were  against  the  wall,  and  take  up  your 
bow  from  the  corner.  Now  I  consent  that  you  still 
exercise  full  authority  in  your  castle,  but  we  must 
have  no  more  scenes  like  that  of  to-day,  where  we 
plead  and  protest  in  vain  against  your  barbarous 
decisions." 

"  It  was  a  military  necessity,  my  Lord,  that  forced 
me  to  remove  all  useless  persons  from  a  castle  about 
to  be  besieged.     It  is  always  done." 

"  I  quite  agree  with  that,  and  quarrel  with  noiight 
but  the  method  of  the  doing.  I  will  go  further  and 
say  that  your  message  to  the  villagers  giving  them 
liberty  to  make  the  best  terms  they  could  for  them- 
selves, had  in  it  traces  of  nobleness  that  left  me  en- 
tirely unprepared  for  the  madness  which  followed. 
To  every  rule  there  are  exceptions.  Are  you  pre- 
pared to  order  the  return  of  Hilda,  the  hanJmaiden 
of  your  niece  ?" 

'*  Such  will  be  my  first  order  on  leaving  this  room.** 

"You  will  perhaps  promise  there  are  to  b^  no  more 
murders  by  that  cowardly  assassin,  Steinmecz." 

"  I  shall  punish  him  for  what  he  has  done.  It  was 
not  my  intention  that  any  should  be  beheaded." 

"  You  cannot  punish  him,  riciily  as  he  deserves  it, 
for  you  are  the  real  culprit,  giving  first  the  order  and 
then  approving  the  deed  when  it  was  done.  You  pro- 
mise then,  that  there  shall  be  no  more  of  such  san- 
guinary commands  ?  " 

"  I  promise." 

"  The  archer  will  hereafter  be  my  bo  Jyguard,  and 
where  I  go,  he  goes.     He  is  to  be  under  no  orders  but 


A  SWORD  TEACHES  DEPORTMENT.  207 

mine.  I  shall  choose  my  lodgings  in  this  castle  where 
it  best  pleases  me,  and  none  shall  enter  therein  with- 
out my  invitation.  It  may  be  well  to  remember,  that 
if  it  come  to  such  a  pass,  the  archer  and  myself  are 
prepared  to  stand  out  against  you  and  your  whole 
garrison." 

*'  I  had  hoped  that  so  brave  a  man  as  you,  would 
have  been  willing  to  accept  the  word  of  an  equally 
brave,  if  less  youthful  and  less  skilful,  antagonist." 

"  My  confidence  in  mankind  has  not  undergone  im- 
provement during  my  brief  stay  at  Thuron.  Some  of 
your  favourites  I  most  thoroughly  distrust,  Steinmetz 
for  example.  It  will  do  no  harm  if  you  intimate  to 
him  that  your  severest  displeasure  will  rest  on  whoever 
molests  us.     As  for  Conrad,  when  he  recovers " 

But  this  sentence  was  never  finished,  and  its  lack  of 
completion  came  near  to  costing  Conrad  his  life,  but 
that  was  through  no  fault  of  Count  Heinrich.  The 
conference  was  interrupted  by  a  vigourous  knocking  at 
the  closed  doors.  The  Count  looked  at  Rodolph,  and 
it  was  the  latter  who  ordered  the  archer  to  withdraw 
the  bolts  and  raise  the  bar.  Captain  Steinmetz  en- 
tered, and  seemed  amazed  at  finding  the  door  shut 
against  him,  but  he  saw  the  two  men  seated  at  a  table 
as  if  they  were  merely  in  friendly  converse  together, 
and  so  thought  no  more  of  the  unusual  shutting  in. 

"  My  Lord,"  he  cried,  "  the  Archbishop's  men  have 
entered  Aiken,  coming  unexpectedly  up  the  river,  in- 
stead ot  from  the  direction  of  Cochem.  Others  have 
appeared  on  the  heights  above  the  valley  by  the 
north  tower,  and  a  further  body  to  the  south.  Foot 
soldiers  are  now  marching  down  the  left  bank  towards 
Aiken.  A  troop  of  horsemen  were  the  first  to  enter 
the  village,  but  now  armed  men  appear  in  every  di- 
rection. They  are  putting  up  tents  on  the  plains 
above  Aiken." 

*•  Has  the  conductor  of  the  women  returned  from 
the  village?" 

"  Yes,  my  Lord,  he  is  now  in  the  castle,  and  not  a 
moment  too  soon." 


208 


TEKLA. 


"  He  left  the  women  there?" 
"  Yes,  my  Lord." 

Heinrich  turned  to  Rodolph  and  said  in  a  low 
voice : 

"  I  am  willing  to  venture  a  detachment,  to  rescue 
the  girl,  if  such  is  your  wish." 

"  No,  it  is  too  late,  and  too  hazardous.  She  will 
probably  come  to  no  harm  where  she  is,  and  a  detach- 
ment lost  would  weaken  our  force  so  that  the  castle 
might  be  taken  in  the  first  rush." 


/  -» 


i 


r^ 


/  ■  ■  > 


CHAPTER   XIX. 


A  MAN  AND   A  WOMAN   MEET  BY   TORCHLIGHT. 


Heinrich  and  Rodolph  left  the  grand  hall  with  the 
archer  following  at  their  heels,  and  ascended  to  the 
battlements.  The  sun  had  set,  and  long  parallel  belts 
of  crimson  clouds  barred  the  western  sky  with  glory. 
The  wide  valley  of  the  Moselle  was  filled  with  a  lovely 
opalescent  light,  and  the  river,  winding  through  it, 
shone  like  burnished  silver.  Not  a  breath  of  wind 
stirred  the  listless  flag,  and  here  and  there  in  the  en- 
campment slender  columns  of  smoke  rose  perpendicu- 
larly in  the  air,  spreading  out  like  palm  trees  at  the 
top.  White  tents  had  risen  as  if  they  had  been  a 
sudden  crop  of  mushrooms,  and  the  voices  of  men 
came  up  from  among  them  through  the  still  air. 
From  the  village  was  heard  the  beat  of  horses*  hoofs, 
and  mounted  troopers  galloped  here  and  there  up  and 
down  the  darkening  valley.  On  the  heights  across 
the  Thaurand  chasm  to  the  north  of  the  castle,  a  huge 
tent  was  being  erected,  which  Heinrich  surmised  to  be 
t  he  headquarters  of  the  Archbishops.  They  had  chosen 
the  highest  point  of  land  in  the  neighbourhood  with 
the  exception  of  the  spot  on  which  Thuron  itself 
stood  ;  a  good  coign  of  vantag  j,  overlooking  the  Mos- 
elle valley  in  part,  and  the  village  of  Aiken  and  some 
of  the  lower  tents,  ,/hile  behind  it  stretched  the  level 
open  plain. 

"  By  the  gods  of  our  forefartliers ! "  cried  the  Black 
Count,  drawing  down  his  brow,  *'  I  will  venture  a 
stone  or  two  at  that  tent  from  the  north  tower  cata- 
pult before  it  grows  darker." 

"  Do  nothing  of  the  sort,"  advised  Rodolph.  "  In 
the  first  place,  it  may  be  well  to  let  the  Archbishops 


3IO 


TEKLA. 


I 


begin  the  fray  in  whatever  set  form  they  choose. 
Should  the  affair  come  up  for  arbitrament,  that  point 
will  be  in  your  favour.  You  were  attacked,  and  you 
defended  yourself.  Then  I  would  waste  no  stones  on 
an  empty  tent,  for  if  you  strike  it,  they  will  but  move 
further  afield.  I  should  try  the  range  when  their  au- 
gust Lordships  are  there  to  bear  witness  to  the  accu- 
racy of  your  aim." 

"  Oh,  very  well,"  said  the  Count,  moodily. 

"Nay,"  continued  the  Emperor,  in  kindly  tone, 
placing  his  hand  in  friendly  manner  on  the  other's 
shoulder,  '*  I  meant  what  I  said  merely  as  a  suggestion. 
Act  as  pleases  you,  untrammeled.  I  seek  but  to  help, 
and  not  to  hinder  you.  The  utmost  I  ask  is  that,  if  I 
lodge  protest,  my  protest  shall  be  at  least  considered. 
On  you  rests  the  defence  of  the  castle,  and  in  that  you 
must  be  unhampered." 

The  Count  turned  quickly  and  held  out  his  hand, 
which  the  Emperor  grasped.  "Your  suggestion  was 
right,  and  mine  was  wrong.  I  want  you  to  stand  my 
fiiend  in  this  pinch.  I  have  few  that  wish  me  well, 
though  perhaps  I  have  as  many  as  I  deserve.  But  I 
never  met  a  man  like  you,  and  I  say  truly  that  I  would 
rather  meet  the  two  Archbishops  with  you  by  my 
side  than  have  the  two  with  me,  and  you  against  me." 

"  No  fighter  can  ask  a  higher  compliment  than  that, 
my  Lord  Count.  We  stand  or  fall  together,  let  the 
fate  of  the  castle  be  what  it  may." 

As  darkness  filled  the  valley,  slowly  climbing  the 
hills,  whose  tops  were  the  last  to  part  with  the  waning 
light,  numerous  camp  fires  shone  in  spots  of  crimson 
along  the  river  bank.  The  sound  of  horses  plashing 
in  the  water,  an  occasional  snatch  of  song,  with  now 
a-  1  then  a  distant  bugle  call,  echoing  against  the  op- 
l  ^'ite  hills,  interfered  with  the  accustomed  stillness  of 
tiu    /alley. 

Rodolph  chose  for  himself  and  the  archer  two  rooms 
at  the  top  of  the  southern  tower,  one  above  the  other, 
John  Surrey  occupying  the  lower.  The  narrow  stone 
stair  which  gave  access  to  both  rooms  ended  at  the 


MEET  BY  TORCHLIGHT. 


211 


circular  flat  roof  of  the  tower,  a  platform  protected  by 
a  machicolated  parapet.  The  flagstaff  of  the  castle 
rose  from  the  centre  of  this  platform,  and  over  the 
parapet  one  had  a  broad  view,  which  included  hill- 
top and  high  level  plain,  for  the  summit  of  the  south 
tower  was  the  highest  spot  in  all  the  Moselle  district. 
From  this  lofty  perch  the  weak  point  of  the  castle  was 
easily  recognised.  If  Thuron  was  ever  to  be  carried 
by  assault  the  gate  front  would  probably  be  the  por- 
tion to  give  way. 

The  builder  of  the  castle  had  recognised  this,  and 
had  constructed  a  gate  ridiculously  small  when  con- 
trasted with  the  great  bulk  of  the  castle  itself.  The 
entrance  was  barely  wide  enough  to  allow  a  cart  or  two 
horsemen  abreast  to  pass  in.  The  flattened  Norman 
arch  above  it  supported  masonry  pierced  for  the  cross- 
bow bolts  that  might  be  launched  in  its  defence,  and 
the  flat  parapet-protected  platform  over  the  gate  might 
be  covered  with  warriors,  while  a  huge  catapult  lay 
there  ready  to  hurl  round  stones  on  whoever  attacked 
the  portal.  Even  if  the  two  stout  oaken  leaves  of  the 
gate,  iron  bolted,  and  barred  within  by  heavy  timbers, 
were  broken  down,  the  gateway  might  be  held  by  two 
expert  swordsmen  against  an  outside  host.  So  when 
the  assault  was  made  the  souls  of  many  of  the  be- 
siegers would  pass  through  the  gates  of  Paradise  be- 
fore the  bodies  of  their  comrades  won  their  way 
through  the  gates  of  Thuron.  Nevertheless,  the  en- 
trance was  the  weak  pofnt  of  the  castle,  for  in  front  of 
it  lay  comparatively  level  ground,  while  everywhere 
else  the  slopes  fell  steeply  from  the  walls,  and  the  man 
who  attacks  up  a  hill  is  ever  at  a  disadvantage  when 
he  meets  the  defender  who  is  already  on  the  top.  The 
gate  was  at  the  south-western  corner  of  the  castle, 
facing  the  south.  The  south  tower  stood  on  the  east- 
ern face  of  the  fortress  twenty  yards  or  less  north  of 
the  south-eastern  corner  of  the  stronghold. 

Rodolph  came  to  the  conclusion  that  when  the  gate 
was  attacked,  John  Surrey,  stationed  on  the  lofty 
platform  of  the  south  tower,  with  a  bundle  of  arrows 


212 


TEKLA. 


at  his  side,  would  give  a  good  account  of  himself,  and 
make  some  of  the  besiegers  wish  they  had  been  else- 
where.     ** 

The  Emperor,  leaving  Surrey  in  his  lofty  eyrie,  went 
down  the  stone  steps,  and  endeavoured  to  send  a  mes- 
sage to  the  Countess  that  he  wished  to  have  a  word 
with  her.  The  wholesale  deportation  of  the  servants 
made  the  carrying  of  intelligence  about  the  castle 
difficult,  and  he,  on  personal  investigation,  found  the 
door  to  the  women's  apartments  barred.  Entering  the 
inner  courtyard,  which  was  in  darkness,  for  the  moon 
which  had  been  at  the  full  a  week  before  was  now  on 
the  wane  and  had  not  yet  risen,  he  groped  his  way  un- 
til he  estimated  that  the  balcony  was  above  him,  and 
there  softly  cried  his  lady's  name,  but  without  re- 
ceiving any  response.  No  light  shone  in  any  of  the 
windows,  stnd  a  vague  alarm  filled  his  breast,  not 
knowing  what  the  Countess  might  have  done  in  her 
despair.  That  she  could  have  left  the  castle  was 
hardly  possible,  for  the  guard  was  now  most  vigilant, 
yet  it  might  be  that  she  had  slipped  away  when  the 
others  were  taken  to  Aiken,  although,  as  Rodolph  had 
conducted  her  from  the  grand  saal  to  the  door  of  the 
women's  apartments,  he  had  imagined  that  the  women 
and  old  men  were  already  gone,  the  last  to  depart  be- 
ing Hilda  herself,  who  had  been  taken  to  the  outer 
courtyard  by  Captain  Steinmetz  after  the  stormy  in- 
terview in  the  great  hall.  The  Emperor  left  the  court- 
yard and  returned  with  a  lighted  torch,  which  he 
placed  in  a  holder  set  against  the  wall  on  the  side  op- 
posite to  the  windows,  and  this  with  its  sputtering  re- 
sinous flame  illuminated  the  neglected  garden,  on  which 
Tekla's  horticultural  efforts  had  not  yet  made  visible 
impression.  The  light  had  the  effect  Rodolph  de- 
sired. The  curtains  at  the  back  of  the  balcony  parted, 
and  the  Countess,  wrapped  in  a  long  white  robe,  look- 
ing, Rodolph  thought,  like  an  angel,  came  to  the  edge 
of  the  stone  coping.  The  rays  of  the  torch  showed 
her  eyes  still  wet  with  tears,  but  their  swimming  bright- 
ness seemed  more  beautiful  than   ever.    The  young 


MEET  BY  TORCHLIGHT. 


213 


Emperor  caught  his  breath  with  delight  on  seeing  the 
fair  vision  before  and  above  him,  standing  out  in  pure 
,  dazzling  white  against  the  grim  grey  walls  of  the  castle. 
}  He  tried  to  speak,  but  could  not  trust  his  voice. 

**  Is  it  you,  my  Lord  Rodolph  ?  "  asked  the  Coun- 
tess, in  her  low,  rich  voice,  peering  into  the  semi- 
darkness  of  the  garden. 

"Yes,  Lady  Tekla,"  said  the  young  man,  at  last 
finding  utterance.  "  I  could  not  go  to  rest  without 
having  a  word  with  you.  Your  door  was  barred  and 
I  could  get  no  one  to  hear  me,  so  I  called  fire  to  the 
aid  of  my  impatience,  and  set  up  a  torch  before  your 
windows." 

"  We  are  self-made  prisoners.  I  myself  barred  the 
door  and  paid  no  heed  to  the  knocking,  for  I  thought 
it  was  my  uncle  returned  again.  He  came  once  and 
demanded  admittance,  which  I  refused.  Then  to  our 
amazement  he  went  quietly  away,  when  we  fully  ex- 
pected he  would  batter  down  the  door.  My  aunt  is 
prostrate  with  fear  of  him,  and  I  have  but  now  left 
her  bedside,  where  she  has  at  last  fallen  into  an  ex- 
hausted sleep.  Oh !  why,"  cried  the  Countess,  raising 
her  arm  as  if  in  appeal  to  a  just  heaven,  "are  such  un- 
civilised wretches  as  the  master  of  Thuron  allowed  to 
live  and  contaminate  this  fair  earth  ?  " 

"  Well,"  said  Rodolph,  with  a  smile,  happily  unseen 
by  the  girl,  who  was  intensely  in  earnest,  "  we  must 
admit  that  the  Archbishops  are  doing  their  best  to 
eliminate  him.  I  have  often  thought  that  it  is  only 
our  wonderful  self-conceit  that  leads  us  to  suppose  we 
are  actually  enlightened  beings,  and  I  fear  that  per- 
haps future  ages  may  look  back  on  the  thirteenth 
century,  and  deny  to  it  the  proud  pre-eminence  in 
civilisation  it  now  so  confidently  claims.  But  I  have 
had  some  conference  with  your  uncle  since  I  last  saw 
you,  and  I  think  you  will  have  nothing  now  to  fear 
from  him.  There  will  be  no  more  scenes  such  as  that 
of  this  afternoon.     He  has  promised  me  as  much." 

"Promised!"  ctied  the  girl,  indignantly;  "I  put 
little  faith  in  his  promises." 


214 


TEKLA. 


"  There,  I  think,  you  do  him  an  injustice.  I  make 
no  attempt  to  defend  his  conduct,  but  he  had  most 
disquieting*  news  brought  by  Conrad,  and " 

•*  Has  Conrad  then  returned  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  a  fugitive  and  sorely  wounded.  He  brought 
news  that  the  two  Archbishops,  Treves  and  Cologne, 
are  leagued  against  Heinrich  of  Thuron.  This  was 
sufficient  to  disturb  a  much  less  despotic  and  evil- 
tempered  man  than  your  uncle.  He  knew  that  the 
lines  were  rapidly  closing  in  upon  him,  and  his  order- 
ing of  the  non-combatants  out  of  the  castle,  when  they 
"light  go  with  no  risk  to  themselves  and  live  safely  as 
humble  villagers,  was  a  measure  that  all  custodians  of 
a  stronghold  threatened  with  besiegement  would  have 
taken,  had  they  been  wise.  There  is  no  fault  to  be 
found  with  the  act  as  it  stands,  although  his  method 
of  carrying  'it  out  may  lend  itself  to  amendment. 
And  the  order  was  accomplished  not  a  moment  too 
soon,  for  the  fugitives  were  scarcely  in  the  village  be- 
fore the  troops  of  the  Archbishop  had  taken  the  place  ; 
besides  this,  Heinrich  very  nobly  counselled  none  to 
make  resistance  but  to  disclaim  all  sympathy  with  the 
master  of  Thuron." 

"  Are  the  Archbishop's  troops  now  in  Aiken  ?  " 

"  In  Aiken?  They  are  all  around  us.  Not  in 
Aiken  alone  but  on  the  heights  to  the  north,  and  on 
the  plains  to  the  south.  We  are  completely  envi- 
roned, and,  from  the  round  tower  above  us,  a  thousand 
watch  fires  may  be  counted  in  every  direction." 

"  What  of  Hilda,  then,  thrust  thus  among  enemies  ?  " 

"  Hilda  is  at  this  moment  much  safer  than  you  are, 
my  Lady.  The  Black  Count  would  have  sent  and 
brought  her  back  but  that  he  gave  the  order  too  late." 

"  If  she  is  free  from  harm,  I  have  no  complaint  to 
make.  You  must  not  think  that  I  protested  against 
her  removal  through  selfishness,  or  because  I  was  in 
any  way  thinking  of  my  own  comfort.  She  has  be- 
come to  me  friend  as  well  as  servant,  and  if  privations 
are  to  be  borne  within  this  castle  I  have  no  wish  to 
elude  my  share." 


MEET  BY  TORCHLIGHT. 


215 


"Hilda  is  safe  in  the  village  and  may  come  and  go 
as  she  pleases  so  long  as  she  does  not  approach  the 
castle,  and  perhaps  even  that  the  Archbishops'  troops 
will  allow.  They  are  not  warring  with  women,  but 
with  the  master  of  Thuron  and  his  followers.  All 
those  who  have  left  the  castle  are  in  more  prosperous 
circumstances  than  we  who  remain,  for  should  the 
fighting  become  desperate  and  a  sack  ensue,  I  should 
rather  have  friends  of  mine  out  than  in." 

"  Is  there  danger  of  the  castle  being  taken?  " 

"I  think  the  danger  is  not  great,  but  the  Arch- 
bishops do  not  agree  with  me,  otherwise  they  would 
not  have  encircled  us.  Then  chance  works  strange 
pranks  in  situations  like  ours.  The  truth  is,  no  one 
can  tell  what  may  happen." 

"  That  is  not  encouraging,  is  it  ?  " 

"  You  see  I  have  got  into  the  habit  of  talking  to 
you  just  as  if  you  were  a  fellow  campaigner,  for  you 
are  certainly  not  the  least  courageous  in  this  garrison ; 
indeed  I  doubt  if  any  one  else  would  have  had  the 
bravery  to  face  the  Count  as  you  have  done  on  more 
than  one  occasion.  I  intended  when  I  came  here  to- 
night, to  relieve  your  mind  of  anxiety  regarding  Hilda, 
and  forgot  that  we  might  need  mutual  encouragement 
over  our  situation.  I  confess  I  am  rather  eager  to 
know  what  is  going  to  happen,  and  I  wouldn't  be  any- 
where else  than  where  I  am  for  the  wealth  of  the 
Archbishops  themselves.  I  count  much  on  your 
uncle,  and  I  think  their  high  and  mighty  Lordships 
may  wish  they  had  encountered  some  one  else  before 
they  are  done  with  him.  He  is  a  man  of  the  most 
headlong  courage,  as  you  will  see  when  you  know  him 
better,  and  when  you  remember  that  he  has  probably 
never  been  contradicted  in  his  life  till  we  thrust  our- 
selves upon  him,  I  think  he  is  almost  amenable  to 
reason." 

"  Alas,  I  have  not  found  him  so,  and  my  aunt  can 
hardly  be  looked  upon  as  a  favourable  example  of 
treatment  by  a  reasonable  man.  She  trembles  when 
his  name  is  mentioned,  or  when  she  hears  his  footstep." 


Ji6 


TEKLA, 


"  Nevertheless,  I  hope  you  will  not  give  up  all 
efforts  toward  his  reclamation.  Believe  me,  he  has 
sterling  qualities  that  I  would  were  more  conspicuous 
in  some  of  his  followers." 

The  Countess  sighed  deeply  and  drew  her  robe 
closer  about  her.  The  torch  had  gone  out,  but  the 
rising  moon  had  begun  to  silver  the  top  of  the  round 
tower.  The  place  was  as  still  and  peaceful  as  if  it  had 
been  some  remote  convent  garden,  far  removed  from 
the  busy  world  and  its  strife. 

"It  is  growing  late,"  said  Tekla,  "  and  I  must  bid 
you  good-night.     Your  coming  has  cheered  me." 

"  It  gives  me  delight  to  hear  you  say  so.  May  I 
not  come  here  to-morrow  night  at  the  same  hour  and 
bring  you  the  latest  news  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  rej^lied  the  lady,  adding,  "  again  good-night." 

Her  white  form  was  swallowed  up  by  the  dark  hang- 
ings and  the  young  man  climbed  the  stairs  of  the  tall 
south  tower. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


A  BREAKFAST  ON  THE  TOP  OF  THE  SOUTH  TOWER. 


The  Emperor  was  awakened  by  the  ringing  martial 
sound  of  bugles,  calling  the  various  camps  from  slum- 
ber. The  sun  had  not  yet  risen  when  he  reached  the 
platform  that  formed  the  roof  of  his  chamber,  and 
there  he  found  John  Surrey  scanning  the  military 
preparations  around  and  below  him  with  undisguised 
satisfaction.  Soldiers  in  the  valley  were  already  fall- 
ing into  line,  and  the  clear  stillness  of  the  air  made 
the  sharp  commands  of  the  officers  audible  even  at 
the  distance  where  Rodolph  and  the  archer  stood. 
The  tall  powerful  figure  of  the  Black  Count  could  be 
seen  pacing  up  and  down  the  broad  promenade  on  the 
west  front,  which  seemed  hardly  less  remote  than  the 
valley  itself,  so  lof*'v  was  the  tower.  The  whole  de- 
sign of  the  castle  L     beneath  them  like  a  raised  map. 

"  I  think  he  has  been  there  all  night,"  said  the 
archer,  nodding  towards  the  Count.  "  I  sat  here  late 
making  arrows  in  the  moonlight,  and  he  was  on  the 
battlements  when  I  went  down.  I  was  here  at  day- 
break, and  there  he  was  still.  What  a  lovely  scene  it 
is,  my  Lord,  viewed  from  this  perch,"  he  cried,  en- 
thusiastically, waving  his  hand  in  a  semi-circle  about 
him. 

"  It  is  indeed,"  concurred  the  Emperor.  "  The 
placid  river,  the  hill  tops  touched  with  the  growing 
light,  the  green  of  the  dense  forest  and  the  yellow  of 
the  ripening  grain,  with  the  dark  cliffs  of  rock  above 
the  polished  surface  of  the  deep  waters,  are  well  worth 
getting  up  early  to  see." 

The  archer  scratched  his  head,  and  an  expression  of 
perplexity  clouded  his  brow. 


2l8 


TEKLA. 


r 
I 


"  That  was  not  quite  what  I  meant,  my  Lord,  for 
although  there  may  be  pleasure  in  viewing  hills,  fields 
and  river,  as  my  friend,  Roger  Kent,  the  poet,  often 
pointed  out  to  me,  yet  to  my  mind  all  such,  which  we 
have  continually  seen  these  few  days  back,  are  little  to 
be  compared  to  the  blossoming  of  the  tents  on  the 
plain,  the  stir  of  marching  men  eager  for  the  coming 
to  conclusions  with  their  fellows,  as  men  should,  and 
the  dealing  and  receiving  of  honest  blows,  doughtily 
given.  Indeed,  my  Lord,  I  would  rather  see  one  good 
two-handed  sword  argument  like  that  between  your 
Lordship  and  his  Darkness  yesterday,  than  all  the  hills 
that  were  ever  piled  one  above  the  other  in  Switzer- 
land." 

"That  contest,"  said  Rodolph,  sternly,  "is  not  to 
be  spoken  of.  You  heard  me  promise  the  Count  that 
you  would  kefep  silence  regarding  it  ?  '* 

"  Oh,  I  did  not  take  it  to  mean  that  we  might  not 
discuss  it  among  ourselves ;  indeed,  it  was  my  intention 
on  the  first  opportunity  to  inquire  of  his  Blackness 
how  he  felt  when  he  saw  you  approach  like  a  wind- 
mill gone  mad,  with  the  sword  in  every  place  but 
where  he  expected  it," 

"  You  hold  your  life  lightly  to  trust  it  on  such  a 
query.  You  have  my  strict  command  to  say  nothing 
to  him  on  any  subject  whatever  unless  he  speak  first 
to  you,  and  then  answer  briefly  and  with  not  too  much 
curiosity." 

"  I  shall  cling  close  to  your  wish,  my  Lord,  the 
more  as  there  is  little  of  intelligent  talk  to  be  got  out 
of  his  Blackness  at  best.  These  warriors  below  are 
like  to  give  us  enough  to  think  and  speak  about. 
They  were  early  afoot,  and  got  to  their  v/ork  like  men 
who  expected  to  take  the  castle  before  breakfait,  sack 
it  for  mid-day  eating,  and  be  home  to  sup  at  Treves. 
I  trust  we  shall  keep  them  with  us  longer  than  they 
think." 

The  Emperor  glanced  at  the  heap  of  feathered  ar- 
rows which  lay  against  the  parapet  partially  hidden 
by  a  mantle  that  had  been  thrown  over  them.     "  Has 


BREAKFAST  ON  THE  SOUTH  TOWER.  219 

your  arrow-maker  proven  a  success  then  ?    You  seem 
to  be  well  supplied."         ^  :"•    "    ^'    '"'     ^  '  r 

"  He  is  so  far  a  success  as  a  German  can  be  expected 
to  succeed  in  a  delicate  art.  The  making  of  an  ar- 
row," continued  the  archer  with  great  complacency, 
taking  a  specimen  in  his  hand  the  better  to  illustrate 
his  argument,  "  is  not  merely  one  art,  but  rather  the 
conjunction  of  several.  There  is  an  art  in  the  accurate 
shaving  of  the  shank  with  a  sharp  flint  stone ;  there  is 
an  art  in  the  correct  pointing  of  it,  and  the  sloping  of 
its  shoulders  so  that  it  take  not  the  wind  more  on  the 
one  side  of  it  than  on  the  other,  thus  deflecting  it  from 
the  true  course ;  there  is  an  art  in  the  feathering  of  it, 
which  is  in  reality  the  winging  of  it ;  the  cutting  of 
the  notch  requires  great  care,  for  there  it  receives  its 
impetus,  and  the  making  of  the  notch  I  hold  to  be 
like  the  training  of  a  youth,  his  course  in  after  life  de- 
pends on  it ;  then  it  should,  when  completed,  balance 
on  your  forefinger,  thus,  with  just  so  much  length  to 
the  right  and  so  much  to  the  left.  In  the  making  of 
a  perfect  arrow  there  are  thirty-four  major  points  to 
be  kept  in  mind,  added  to  fifty-seven  minor  details 
which  must  in  no  instance  be  neglected,  the  which,  be- 
ginning with  the  major  points,  are  as  follows,  to  wit, 
firstly " 

"  We  are  early  afoot,  John  Surrey,  but  still  too  late 
for  the  beginning  of  such  a  recital.  During  the  siege 
it  is  most  likely  that  v  a  may  have  to  spend  some 
sleepless  nights  on  watch,  and  during  these  vigils 
you  will  tell  me  all  the  conditions  that  go  to  the  con- 
structing of  a  perfect  arrow,  for  in  the  still  watches  I 
can  give  that  attention  to  particulars  which  the  im- 
portance of  the  subject  demands." 

"The  suggestion  of  your  Lordship  is  good,  and 
shows  ^  .at  you  have  some  appreciation  of  the  task's 
difficulties,  the  which  I  have  never  been  able  to  beat 
into  the  head  of  the  German  hind  the  Count  has 
bestowed  upon  me,  although  I  find  him  useful  in  the 
splitting  of  wood  and  the  rough  shapin^j  of  the  shaft ; 
indeed  he  has  advanced  so  surprisingly  that  he  now 


k 


220 


TEKLA. 


sees  that  a  piece  of  timber,  bent  and  twisted  like  a 
hoop  from  a  wine  butt,  is  not  suitable  for  the  making 
of  an  arrow ;  that  the  presence  of  a  straight  grain  is 
more  desirable  than  many  knots,  and  so  I  have  a  hope 
that  in  time  he  may  gather  much  useful  knowledge 
regarding  the  arrow-maker's  craft.  But  I  would  on 
no  account  have  your  Lordship  labour  under  the  de- 
lusion that  the  mastering  of  the  major  and  minor 
points  will  guarantee  you  success  in  the  construction 
of  a  shaft.  No  ;  you  must  be  born  to  it  as  well, 
because  there  is  an  intuition  in  the  estimating  of  its 
value  when  completed ;  for  many  of  our  archers  in 
England,  unerring  in  aim,  could  not,  did  their  life 
depend  upon  it,  make  for  themselves  a  true  flying 
arrow;  indeed  the  making  and  the  speeding  have  ever 
been  regardec^  as  separate  and  distinct  accomplish- 
ments, expertness  in  the  one  being  no  assurance  of 
expertness  in  the  other;  the  which  is  but  to  be  ex- 
pected in  a  civilised  country,  for  England  must  not  be 
confounded  with  the  more  barbarous  nationalities  of 
the  continent ;  and  so  in  my  land  the  arrow-makers  are 
a  guild  in  themselves,  to  which  trade  a  man  must  be 
duly  apprenticed,  forswearing  in  his  indentures  all 
vices  by  which  the  steadiness  of  his  nerves  are  affected, 
as  the  drinking  of  strong  liquors  or  the  amorous  pur- 
suit of " 

"  Yes,  yes,"  cried  the  Emperor,  with  scarcely  con- 
cealed impatience,  **  all  the  virtues  of  earth  are  con- 
centrated in  your  land  and  upon  the  inhabitants 
thereof." 

"  Nay,  I  made  no  such  claim,"  continued  the  archer, 
cahnly,  "  but  I  may  state  without  suspicion  of  pre- 
judice in  favour  of  my  countrymen  that  for  honesty, 
bravery,  skill,  intelligence,  modesty,  integrity,  patriot- 
ism, strength,  nobility  of  character,  firmness,  justice, 
enlightenment,  courage " 

"  And  a  good  appetite.  John  Surrey,  have  you 
breakfasted  ?  Do  you  feed  with  the  men  of  the  castle, 
or  alone?" 

"  The  room  below,"  said  John,  in  no  wise  discon- 


n 


1 

BREAKFAST  ON  THE  SOUTH  TOWER.  221 

certed  by  the  sudden  change  of  the  subject,  and  ever 
ready  to  discourse  on  any  topic  presented  to  him, 
"  being  much  too  large  for  my  sleeping  accommoda- 
tion, and  one  never  knowing  what  may  happen, 
especially  after  such  a  bout  as  you  had  with  the 
master  of  the  place —  I  beg  your  worship's  pardon,  I 
shall  not  more  particularly  refer  to  it —  I  might  more 
properly  have  said,  in  the  circumstances  that  have 
come  to  our  private  knowledge,  I  thought  it  wise  to 
fill  the  remainder  of  the  space  with  provisions  from 
the  outer  courtyard,  where  they  ran  seme  danger  of 
being  spoiled  by  the  first  rain  that  falls;  and  I  have 
i'lso,  with  much  effort  and  with  the  help  of  my  arrow- 
r  ^king  knave,  trundled  up  these  stairs,  several  of 
tiie  smaller  casks  of  wine  from  the  same  place,  the 
hoisting  of  the  larger  butts  presenting  difficulties  we 
could  in  no  wise  overcome.  I  have  furthermore  taken 
the  precaution  to  provide  myself  with  various 
trenchers,  flagons,  and  the  like,  and  a  few  stools,  for  as 
I  have  some  skill  in  cookery,  picked  up  in  various 
countries,  I  thought  I  might  have  the  privilege  of 
preparing  a  meal  for  your  Lordship  when  you  were 
disinclined  to  venture  down  these  long  stairs.  I  fore- 
saw that  such  a  thing  might  come  as  a  siege  within  a 
siege,  aad  for  all  such  emergencies  it  is  well  to  be 
ready  vvcn  though  they  never  come.  A  stout  swords- 
man r>  .  pinch  might  hold  these  stairs  though  a 
thou 5a:, d  <  ;ied  to  mount  them,  and  when  he  is  tired,  a 
skilful  !j>  'vrran  might  take  his  place  without  danger 
to  any  bui  those  below  him." 

"  John,  all  the  compliments  you  tender  your  coun- 
trymen do  I  multiply  tenfold  and  bestow  on  thy 
resourceful  head.  Wisdom,  thy  name  is  Surrey.  Is 
thy  knave  in  thy  room  below  ?  " 

"  Aye.  He  sleeps,  my  Lord,  that  being  the  great- 
est <ii  his  accomplishments." 

*  r-.^n  waken  him;  transport  table  and  stools  to 
this  p.atform.  Prepare  a  choice  breakfast  for  four. 
We  will  invite  the  Count  himself  to  breakfast  with  us, 
and  ^he  two  ladies  of  the  castle,  if  they  will  so  honour 


222 


:/■'' 


TEKLA. 


us.  Therefore  let  me  boast  of  thy  skill  with  the 
viands,  John." 

"  I  like  not  the  coming  of  the  Count,"  said  the 
archer,  sturdily.  "  I  did  not  wish  him  to  know  that 
we  were  also  provisioned  for  a  siege." 

"  The  knowledge  should  make  him  the  more  chary 
in  attacking  us,  were  such  his  intention.  But  he  has 
no  malignant  designs.     I  trust  Count  Heinrich." 

"  You  trusted  him  before,"  persisted  the  archer,  with 
the  dogged  tenacity  of  his  race,  "  and  all  that  came  of 
it — again  craving  your  pardon — was  stout  blows  and 
the  flying  of  sparks." 

"The  Count  differs  from  you  cher,  in  learning  a 
lesson  and  profiting  by  it.  No  more  pardons  for  such 
allusions  will  be  granted ;  three  within  an  hour  have 
exhausted  my  stock.  Attend  you  to  the  preparation 
of  the  meal ;  keep  strict  silence  while  serving  it,  and 
expect  generous  reward  if  it  prove  satisfactory. 
Leave  all  dealing  with  the  Count  to  me,  and  if  you 
cannot  trust  his  Lordship,  trust  in  Providence." 

Saying  this,  Rodolph  went  down  the  stairs,  while 
the  archer,  grumbling  to  himself,  descended  to  his 
room  and  kicked  the  slumbering  menial  into  a  state  of 
wakefulness  that  enabled  him  to  appreciate  the  hard 
realities  of  life. 

The  Emperor,  reaching  the  battlements,  greeted 
the  Lord  of  Thuron,  who  returned  his  salutation 
without  lavish  excess  of  cordiality. 

"  My  Lord  Count,  in  honour  of  the  coming  of  the 
Archbishops,  I  am  having  prepared  a  breakfast  on  the 
top  of  the  southern  tower.  The  archer  pretends  to 
some  knowledge  of  cooking,  and  I  ask  your  Lordship 
to  help  me  form  an  estimate  of  his  abilities." 

'•  I  shall  breakfast  on  these  battlements.  I  wish  to 
watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy." 

"  There  is  no  more  admirable  point  of  observation 
than  the  top  of  the  tower,  for  from  there  you  may 
view  what  is  going  on  all  round  you,  while  from  here 
you  may  see  but  towards  the  west.  It  is  also  my  in- 
tention, with  your  permission,  to  invite  the  ladies, 
your  wife  and  niece.' 


BREAKFAST  ON  THE  SOUTH  TOWER.  223 


Count  Heinrich  made  no  reply,  his  restless  eye 
scouring  the  plain  below. 

"  I  hold  it  well,"  continued  Rodolph,  suavely,  "  to 
begin  our  conflict  with  peace  and  harmony  within, 
whatever  may  happen  outside  the  walls.  Have  I 
your  Lordship's  consent  ?" 

"  My  whole  mind  is  in  the  coming  fight,"  said  the 
Black  Count,  still  keeping  his  eyes  on  the  valley, 
"and  I  have  little  skill  in  the  nice  customs  and  cour- 
tesies that  perhaps  you  have  been  accustomed  to.  I 
am  a  soldier,  and  prefer  to  eat  with  soldiers." 

"  Am  I  to  understand  that  you  consider  me  no 
soldier?" 

"You  twist  my  v/ords.  I  am  an  awkward  man. 
I  mean  that  I  care  not  for  the  company  of  women." 

"  You  owe  some  reparation  to  your  niece  for  your 
harshness  of  yesterday.  It  is  the  least  you  can  do  to 
tell  her  that  you  are  sorry.  I  have  already  said  to 
her  on  your  behalf  that  your  mind  was  worried  by 
the  unexpected  news  of  the  junction  of  the  two 
Archbishops,  and  although  that  is  no  excuse  for  a 
grown  man,  still  I  think  I  persuaded  her  it  was.  She 
will,  no  doubt,  forgive  you,  little  as  you  deserve  it." 

"  Forgive  me !  "  cried  the  Count,  angrily. 

•'Aye.  We  all  need  forgiveness,  and  I  judge  you 
are  not  so  free  from  blame  that  your  statue  will  be 
erected  in  the  valley  as  the  Saint  Heinrich  of  your 
day.  Come,  my  Lord  Count,  be  a  bear  to  your 
enemies  if  you  like,  but  a  lamb  to  your  friends,  whose 
scarcity  you  but  last  night  deplored  !  " 

"  The  Countess  Tekla  has  refused  to  see  me ;  she 
barred  my  own  door  against  me." 

"And  quite  right  too.  She  is  a  girl  of  spirit,  and 
worthy  of  her  warlike  ancestors.  Therefore,  the  more 
proud  should  you  be  that  she  consents  to  take  you  by 
the  hand  this  morning." 

"But  does  she  so  consent?"  asked  the  Count, 
dubiously. 

"  Come  to  the  tower  and  see.  Large  minds  bear  no 
malice.    We  will  signal  to  you  when  the  meal  is  ready." 


224 


TEKLA. 


\ 


Rodolph  found  there  was  more  difficulty  in  per- 
suading Heinrich's  wife  to  be  one  at  the  table  with  her 
lord,  than  there  was  in  winning  Tekla's  consent,  but 
at  last  all  obstacles  were  removed  and  he  escorted  the 
ladies  up  the  narrow  winding  stairs.  The  Countess 
Tekla  was  in  unexpectedly  high  spirits,  and  she 
admitted  to  him  gaily  that  she  had  been  at  her  wit's 
end  to  know  what  they  should  do  for  breakfast,  as  all 
attendants  had  gone,  and  her  uncle  had  shown  no 
anxiety  regarding  their  substance. 

It  was  Tekla's  first  visit  to  the  tall  tower  and  she 
looked  upon  the  marvellous  scene  spread  before  her 
with  keen  and  enthusiastic  appreciation.  The  sun 
had  risen  and  the  morning  was  already  warm,  but  the 
skilful  Surrey  had  spread  an  awning  from  flag  pole  to 
parapet,  whicl^  shielded  the  table  from  its  rays.  The 
elder  lady  seated  herself  on  one  of  the  stools,  and  paid 
no  attention  to  the  view,  awaiting  with  evident  appre- 
hension the  coming  of  her  husband.  Tekla  passed 
from  point  to  point  in  the  circle  of  the  parapet  and 
exclaimed  joyously  as  the  beauties  of  the  landscape 
unfolded  themselves  to  her.  The  deep,  sombre, 
densely  wooded  chasm  of  the  brawling  little  river 
Tbaurand,  from  which  in  three  variants,  the  castle 
took  the  several  names  that  designated  it,  she  had 
never  until  this  moment  beheld ;  the  more  familiar 
valley  of  the  Moselle  revealed  new  aspects  at  this 
height,  not  noticeable  from  the  lower  level  of  the 
battlements.  Rodolph  accompanied  her  and  pointed 
out  this  and  that,  having  himself  eyes  for  nothing 
but  the  delighted  and  delightful  girl,  and  thus,  telling 
the  archer  to  summon  the  Count,  he  paid  no  attent- 
tion  to  Surrey's  method  of  doing  so,  which  might 
not  have  met  his  approval.  The  Count  was  stand- 
ing at  the  edge  of  the  battlements  gazing  abstract- 
edly down  upon  the  village  of  Aiken,  his  arms 
folded  across  his  breast  and  his  back  towards  the 
tower.  The  bowman  deftly  notched  an  arrow  on 
the  string  and  let  fly  with  such  precision  that  its 
feather  must   have   brushed  the  Count's  ear.     The 


BREAKFAST  ON  THE  SOUTH  TOWER.  225 

amazed  and  startled  man  automatically  smote  the  air 
and  his  ear  with  his  open  hand  as  if  a  bee  had  stung 
him,  and  sprang  several  yards  from  where  he  had 
been  standing,  glaring  angrily  round,  wondering 
whence  the  missile  had  so  unexpectedly  come. 

"  My  Lord,"  said  the  archer,  deferentially,  leaning 
over  the  stone  coping  and  motioning  with  his  bow, 
"  breakfast  is  ready. " 

For  a  moment  the  Count  stood  as  one  transfixed, 
then  a  sluctant  smile  made  itself  visible  through  his 
thick  beard,  and  he  strode  along  the  promenade,  dis- 
appearing down  the  steps. 

A  few  moments  later  he  was  on  the  platform  of  the 
tower,  visibly  ill  at  ease.  His  eyes  were  on  his  niece, 
seemingly  in  doubt  regarding  the  nature  of  her  recep- 
tion of  him.  The  girl  on  hearing  his  steps  had  turned 
away  from  the  parapet,  and  now  stood  somewhat 
rigidly  with  heightened  colour,  waiting  for  him  to 
approach  her. 

"  Tekla,"  he  began,  but  she  quietly  interrupted 
him,  saying: 

"  When  you  have  greeted  my  aunt,  I  shall  be  glad 
to  receive  your  salutations." 

Heinrich  was  taken  aback  at  this.  He  had  not 
thought  of  looking  at  his  wife,  but  now  he  glanced  at 
her  shrinking  form  cowering  on  the  stool.  He  took 
a  step  forward,  and  placed  his  hand  roughly  on  her 
shoulder. 

"  Wife — "  he  said,  and  paused,  not  knowing  what 
to  add,  until  sudden  inspiration  seemed  to  come  to 
him,  and  he  cried,  masterfully:  "  We  are  surrounded 
by  enemies,  but  we  will  beat  them  off,  damn  them  !  " 

"  Yes,  my  Lord,"  whispered  his  spouse,  meekly, 
trembling  under  his  heavy  hand.  Tekla  laughed 
merrily,  and  sprang  forward  to  him,  flinging  her  arms 
about  him,  to  his  great  embarrassment. 

"  You  great  Swartzwald  bear !  "  she  cried,  "  of 
course  you  will  beat  them.  I  am  sure  no  one  can 
stand  up  aj^ainst  you." 

"  Tekla,"  he  protested,  with  visible  discomposure, 


226 


TEKLA. 


>l 


**  that  is  the  Archbishops'  tent  on  the  heights.  They 
can  see  us." 

**  Let  them !  "  cried  the  girl,  waving  her  hands  to- 
wards the  large  tent.  "This  is  my  uncle,  Heinrich  of 
Thuron,  surnamed  the  Black,  my  Lords  and  Arch- 
bishops, and  we  hurl  defiance  at  you,  for  he  fears  you 
neither  separately  nor  together." 

The  Black  Count  smiled  grimly,  and  very  soon  they 
were  all  seated  at  breakfast,  Rodolph  and  Tekla  bear- 
ing the  burden  of  the  conversation,  the  Count  and  his 
wife  adding  but  little  to  it.  It  was  easily  seen  that 
Heinrich's  mind  was  not  on  his  meal,  but  on  what  was 
passing  in  the  valley,  where  his  uneasy  eye  wandered 
ever  and  anon. 

As  the  breakfast  ended  and  the  Countess  Tekla 
was  congratulating  the  archer  on  its  excellence,  there 
came  up  to  them  a  fan-fare  of  trumpetL,  and  all  saw, 
issuing  from  the  forest  to  the  south,  an  impressive 
cavalcade,  headed  by  Count  Bertrich,  at  whose  side 
rode  another,  seemingly  his  equal  in  rank,  and  quite 
his  superior  in  equipment,  whom  Rodolph  at  once  re- 
cognised by  his  blazoniy  as  the  representative  of  the 
Archbishop  of  Cologne.  Behind  these  two  rode  a 
group  of  perhaps  threescore  men,  all  gaily  bedecked 
and  fully  armed.  Five  or  six  horse-lengths  in  front 
of  this  notable  procession  came  four  heralds  holding 
long  trumpets  from  which  depended  gay  silken  ban- 
ners in  gorgeous  colours,  setting  forth,  two  the  arms  of 
Treves,  and  two  the  arms  of  Cologne.  As  the  caval- 
cade advanced  the  trumpeters  raised  bugles  to  lips  and 
gave  forth  the  musical  notes  that  had  first  attracted 
the  attention  of  those  on  the  tower.  The  Count 
sprang  instantly  to  his  feet,  Rodolph  also  rising. 

"A  demand  of  surrender,"  said  the  latter, "  about 
to  be  set  forward  with  due  ceremony  and  circumstance. 
I  must  say  the  Archbishops  acquit  themselves  credit- 
ably." 

"  Will  you  attend  me  while  I  make  reply  ?  "  asked 
the  Count,  of  Rodolph. 

"  Surely,"  returned  the  other. 


BREAKFAST  ON  THE  SOUTH  TOWER.  227 

"  I  should  be  glad  of  your  counsel,"  continued 
Heinrich,  "  and  of  some  slight  hint  regarding  the 
choice  of  words  to  be  used.  We  have  usually  tallen 
to  without  so  much  preliminary  flourishing  at  Thuron, 
and  I  am  not  versed  in  the  etiquette  of  the  occasion." 

"Answer  slowly,"  said  the  Emperor,  "  taking  ample 
time  to  consider  each  question,  and  if  there  is  any 
hint  to  give,  I  will  whisper  it  to  you." 

The  two  men  departed  down  the  stairs,  leaving  at 
least  one  interested  spectator  of  the  conference  about 
to  take  place.  The  elder  woman  remained  where  she 
was,  with  her  hands  folded  on  her  lap ;  the  Countess 
Tekla  leaning  against  the  parapet,  saw  her  uncle  and 
Rodolph,  attended  by  Captain  Steinmetz  and  a  guard 
of  lancers,  mount  the  platform  above  the  gates,  while 
the  imposing  troop  of  horsemen  came  to  halt  amidst, 
another  blast  from  the  trumpets. 


;'    •   ■■■f::i>:.<. 


<!      I 


■I,- 


•J    ■ 


\\ 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  DIPLOMACY. 


»  i 


In  loud  and  sonorous  voice  Count  Bertrich  spoke, 
his  words  plainly  heard  by  all  on  the  castle  walls  and 
even  far  down  the  valley. 

"Heinrich  of  Thuron,  sometinne  Count  Palatine, 
now  deposed  by  lawful  authority  duly  proclaimed,  you 
are  summoned  to  surrender  the  Castle  of  Thuron  at 
present  held  by  you,  to  the  custody  of  his  High  Puis- 
sant and  Reverend  Lordship,  Konrad  von  Hochstaden, 
Archbishop  of  Cologne,  and  his  ally,  the  High  Puissant 
aud  Reverend  Lordship,  Arnold  von  Isenberg,  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves,  and  in  event  of  such  summons  not 
being  instantly  obeyed,  your  life  is  declared  forfeit 
and  all  within  your  walls  outlaws." 

"Ask  him,"  whispered  the  Emperor,  "on  what 
authority  this  summons  is  delivered." 

"  On  whose  authority  do  you  act?  "  cried  Heinrich, 
in  a  voice  no  less  powerful  than  that  of  Bertrich. 

"  His  Lordship  the  Archbishop  of  Treves  is  your 
over-lord,  and  as  such  is  entitled  to  make  the  demand 
I  have  set  forth." 

"  Then  ask  him  what  the  devil  Cologne  is  doing  in 
this  business,"  said  Rodolph. 

"  Why  then  is  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne  put  first 
in  your  proclamation,  and  by  what  right  does  he  claim 
jurisdiction  over  me  ?  "  cried  Heinrich. 

The  two  emissaries  of  Treves  and  Cologne  con- 
sulted for  a  few  moments  together,  and  it  was  quite 
evident  that  Count  Bertrich  had  little  liking  for  the 
turn  the  colloquy  had  taken,  his  haughty  nature  scorn- 
ing lengthened  talk  with  a  man  whom  he  considered 
an  inferior,  and  in  any  case  the  sword  was  with  him 


AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  DIPLOMACY.    329 

a  readier  weapon  than  the  tongue,  as  indeed  it  was  with 
Heinrich  himself;  but  the  envoy  of  Cologne  seemed  in 
a  measure  impressed  by  the  replies  of  the  Lord  of 
Thuron,  and  appeared  to  be  protesting  against  what 
the  other  was  proposing,  a  backward  wave  of  the  hand 
seeming  to  betoken  a  desire  to  break  off  negotiations 
and  return  whence  they  came.  At  last  Bertrich  again 
spoke. 

"Their  High  and  Mighty  Lordships  of  Cologne 
and  Treves  are,  as  I  have  said,  allies  in  this  quarrel, 
and  they  demand  your  instant  answer." 

"  Say  it  is  impossible  for  you  to  recognise  Cologne 
in  a  matter  that  concerns  you  and  Treves  only.  Add 
that  if  Treves  alone  press  the  demand  you  will  make 
suitable  reply,"  dictated  the  Emperor. 

"  A  noble  answers  only  to  his  own  over-lord," 
shouted  Heinrich.  "  If  the  Archbishop  of  Treves 
make  a  demand,  he  shall  have  my  reply,  but  I  stand 
no  question  from  his  Lordship  of  Cologne,  nor  can  he 
justly  prefer  the  right  to  question  me  except  through 
my  over-lord." 

"Well  spoken,"  said  the  Emperor,  emphatically, 
"  and  good  feudal  law." 

Again  a  conference  ensued  between  the  two  envoys, 
Bertrich  first  protesting  against  the  decision  of  his 
colleague,  then  reluctantly  accepting  it.  In  his  anger 
shearing  Arnold  of  some  of  his  adjectives,  Bertrich 
cried : 

"  In  the  name  of  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  my 
master  and  yours,  I  demand  that  you  surrender  to 
him  the  castle  of  Thuron." 

"  Say  that  you  appeal  for  justice  to  the  over-lord  of 
all,  the  Emperor,  and  offer  to  surrender  your  castle 
when  you  see  his  signature  to  a  document  demanding 
it,"  whispered  Rodolph. 

Heinrich  turned  to  him  in  astonishment. 

"  I  fear  the  Emperor  less  than  I  do  Treve%  and 
have  no  intention  of  surrendering  to  either.  He  may 
have  the  signature  of  the  Emperor,  and  then  I  should 
be  in  serious  jeopardy," 


230 


TEKLA. 


"  He  has  it  not,  nor  can  he  obtain  it.  The  Em- 
peror is  in  Palestine." 

The  humour  of  the  situation  began  to  appeal  to 
Heinrich.  For  the  first  time  in  his  turbulent  life  he 
was  posing  as  a  respecter  of  the  law  and  a  stickler  for 
forms.  The  envoy  of  Cologne  sat  on  his  horse  await- 
ing the  answer  with  an  expression  on  his  face  which 
showed  that  he  believed  the  Black  Count  to  be  more 
in  the  right  than  he  had  hitherto  suspected,  while 
Bertrich,  fuming  with  impatience  and  anger,  savagely 
dug  spurs  into  his  horse  and  then  reined  in  the  aston- 
ished animal  with  rude  brutality  when  it  curvetted 
under  the  sting  of  the  steel. 

"  In  a  case  so  serious,"  cried  Heinrich,  sternly,  "  I 
appeal  to  the  over-lord  of  the  Archbishop,  who  is  my 
over-lord  as  well,  his  Majesty  the  Emperor.  That  no 
injustice  may  be  done,  I  will  deliver  up  my  castle  to  the 
Emperor,  or,  in  his  absence,  to  any  delegate  whom  he 
empowers,  the  same  to  show  me  his  credentials  signed 
by  his  Majesty." 

"  The  Emperor,"  roared  Bertrich,  "  has  already  dele- 
gated his  authority  to  the  Archbishop,  who  now  acts 
thus  under  the  power  granted  him.  This  juggling 
with  words  will  not  serve  you.     I  demand " 

But  here  he  was  interrupted  by  the  envoy  of 
Cologne,  who  seemed  surprised  when  it  was  alleged 
that  the  Emperor  had  delegated  his  authority  to  the 
Archbishop  of  Treves.  He  laid  his  hand  on  Bertrich's 
arm  and  spoke  earnestly  with  him. 

"  What  comes  next  ?  "  said  Heinrich. 

"Oh,  the  rest  is  most  simple,"  replied  Rodolph. 
"  Bertrich  has  lied,  for  there  has  been  no  delegating 
of  Imperial  authority  to  his  master.  Worse  than  that, 
he  has  sown  seeds  of  dissension  between  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves  and  the  haughty  Lord  of  Cologne, 
and  Bertrich  has  not  yet  the  sense  to  see  it.  Tell  him 
you  did  not  know  of  this  bestowal  of  authority.  Ask 
for  the  witnesses,  if  the  delegation  was  verbal,  or  for  a 
document  if  he  has  a  written  commission  from  his 
Majesty." 


AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  DIPLOMACY.    231 

"  But  he  may  have  it.  How  can  you  say  whether 
he  has  or  no?  " 

'•  I  tell  you  the  man  has  lied.  Would  the  Emperor, 
think  you,  dare  to  give  to  one  what  he  did  not  give 
to  another?  See  the  surprise  on  Cologne's  face  at 
such  an  absurd  statement.  Have  no  hesitation.  He 
has  few  qualifications  fitting  him  to  be  a  diplomatist." 

"  I  was  not  aware,"  cried  Heinrich,  stoutly,  "  that 
the  Emperor  had  so  favoured  Treves  at  the  expense 
of  his  brother  of  Cologne.  If  such  is  indeed  the  case, 
then  we  need  parley  no  longer.  On  proof  to  me  of 
this  bestowal  of  Imperial  power  on  his  Lordship  of 
Treves,  I  will  at  once  surrender  my  castle  to  him, 
leaving  the  Emperor  to  adjudicate  between  us." 

Then  did  the  choleric  Count  indeed  justify  Ro- 
dolph's  prophecy.  Shaking  his  sword  over  his  head, 
Bertrich  shouted : 

"  Surrender  the  castle,  you  robber  dog,  or  I  will 
knock  it  down  about  your  ears,  black  son  of  a  rooting 
boar." 

The  hand  of  Count  Heinrich  sprang  to  the  hilt  of 
his  blade,  and  he  would  have  answered  angrily  in 
kind,  but  the  Emperor,  touching  him  gently,  said : 

"  Softly,  softly.  Call  our  astonished  friend  of 
Cologne  to  witness  that  you  have  done  everything 
you  could  in  the  way  of  peace,  and  the  upholding  of 
the  feudal  law." 

Heinrich  drew  a  deep  quivering  breath  into  his 
huge  chest,  and  controlled  himself  with  an  effort  that 
made  his  stalwart  frame  tremble. 

"  I  ask  your  colleague,"  he  said,  at  last,  in  a  voice 
that  was  somewhat  uncertain,  "  to  bear  witness  that  I 
have  been  treated  with  grave  disrespect  while  en- 
deavouring to  yield  deference  to  all  above  me ;  the 
Emperor  no  less  than  the  Archbishops.  I  am  anxious 
to  abide  by  the  feudal  law,  and  while  protecting  my 
own  rights,  infringe  not  on  the  rights  of  others." 

Bertrich  gave  vent  to  a  cry  of  disgusted  impatience, 
spurring  his  horse  onward  and  then  round  until  his 
back  was  to  the  castle.    The  envoy  of  Cologne  bowed 


232 


TEKLA. 


! 


low  to  Count  Heinrich,  although  he  said  nothing, 
which  bow  the  Black  Count  handsomely  returned. 
With  a  blast  from  the  four  trumpets,  the  glittering 
cavalcade  turned,  and  at  slow,  dignified  pace,  as  be- 
fitted an  embassy,  left  the  castle. 

Rodolph  and  Heinrich  watched  the  departure  in 
silence,  the  latter  still  struggling  with  his  suppressed 
emotions,  more  than  half  feeling  that  he  had  not  ac- 
quitted himself  as  a  man  should,  by  neglecting  to  fling 
back  in  the  teeth  of  his  enemy  the  contemptuous 
phrares  he  had  received. 

*'  My  Lord  Count,"  said  Rodolph,  "  you  have  con- 
ducted the  negotiations  most  admirably,  and  I  desire 
to  offer  you  my  congratulations." 

*'  I  would  rather  have  cut  his  beggarly  throat  than 
bestowed  smooth  words  upon  him,"  muttered  the 
Count.  « 

**  There  is  much  that  is  commendable  and  even  al- 
luring in  the  project,  and  doubtless  before  the  sun  has 
set,  Bertrich  will  wish  you  had,  for  I  do  not  envy  him 
the  meeting  with  his  master.  Never  was  the  Arch- 
bishop so  rascally  served.  One  of  two  things  will 
happen  now,  thanks  to  your  diplomacy.  The  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves,  proud  as  he  is,  will  be  compelled  to 
humble  himself  before  his  haughty  ally,  and  declare 
that  Bertrich  failed  to  speak  the  truth,  or  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Cologne  will  gather  his  men  about  him  and 
depart  down  the  Rhine  to  the  less  picturesque  pre- 
cincts of  his  famous  city.  Even  if  a  peace  be  patched 
up  between  them,  there  will  be  deep  distrust  in  von 
Hochstaden's  mind  against  the  crafty  Isenberg,  for, 
knowing  the  wily  Arnold  as  he  does,  Cologne  will 
never  believe  but  his  envoy  blurted  out  the  truth,  in 
spite  of  his  master's  assurance  that  it  is  a  lie.  Be- 
lieve me,  you  might  have  rained  blows  on  Bertrich's 
back  and  he  would  consider  the  chastisement  as  noth- 
ing compared  with  the  humiliating  dilemma  in  which 
your  words  and  calmness  have  placed  him." 

"The  words  were  not  mine,  but  yours,"  said  Hein- 
rich,  much  mollified. 


AN  EXPERIMENT  IN  DIPLOMACY.    233 

r  "  I  will  not  have  you  say  so.  I  did  indeed  give  you 
some  hints  but  you  clothed  them  in  your  own  lan- 
guage, and  in  every  case  added  force  to  them.  It 
is  not  flattering  to  say  I  did  not  expect  such  from  you, 
but  I  have  to  admit  the  truth.  Words,  my  Lord 
Count,  are  often  more  deadly  than  swords.  The  man 
of  words  who  can  keep  his  temper  will  ever  rule  the 
man  of  the  sword.  As  you  acted  this  morning  you 
might  guide  an  empire." 

"  And  as  I  acted  yesterday,  I  could  not  rule  my  own 
household,"  said  Heinrich,  dryly. 

"So  far  as  I  am  concerned,  my  Lord,  yesterday  is 
dead.  I  do  not  remember  what  happened.  I  deal 
only  with  to-day."  '        . 

"  Lord  Rodolph,"  cried  Heinrich,  with  sudden  ex- 
ultation, "  we  shall  beat  these  villains  yet." 

"  So  the  Countess  Tekla  has  prophesied,  and  so  I 
devoutly  believe.  In  any  case  this  conference  has 
postponed  attack  for  a  few  days.  It  will  take  some 
time  for  the  Archbishops  to  adjust  their  differences, 
and  who  knows  what  may  happen  later  ?**  : 

Whether  the  Countess  should  prove  a  true  prophet 
or  no  remained  to  be  seen,  but  Rodolph  was  quickly 
shown  to  be  a  false  one. 


in- 


■HMOTCBRHnnn 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


THE   FIRST  ATTACK   ON   CASTLE   THURON. 


' !  i 


It  is  doubtful  if  a  nation  or  a  military  commander 
is  strengthened  by  securing  an  ally,  even  though  that 
ally  be  powerful.  One  determined  man  will  wage  war 
with  more  success  than  will  a  committee  that  com- 
mands a  larger  force.  A  general  with  an  ally  must  be 
ever  thinking  of  what  that  ally  will  do,  or  will  not  do. 
He  is  hampered  at  every  turn,  and  must  be  careful  not 
to  take  too* much  glory  to  himself  or  show  himself  a 
better  warrior  than  the  other. 

As  those  within  Castle  Thuron  afterwards  discovered, 
what  happened  on  the  morning  of  the  first  attack  was 
this.  Count  Bertrich  in  his  original  visit  to  Thuron 
and  his  ignominious  departure  therefrom,  saw  with 
quick  military  eye,  which  he  allowed  no  personal  feel- 
ing to  obscure,  that  the  gate,  narrow  though  it  was, 
offered  the  best  means  of  capturing  the  stronghold. 
Once  that  was  battered  down,  there  would  be  a  hot 
fight  in  the  outer  courtyard,  then,  resistance  being 
overpowered  by  numbers,  the  castle  belonged  to  the 
assaulters.  His  plan  was  approved  by  the  Archbishop, 
who,  however,  was  annoyed  to  find  that  his  colleague 
of  Cologne  desired  that  Heinrich  should  be  summoned 
in  due  form  to  surrender  peacefully  before  hostilities 
commenced.  To  this  proposal  von  Isenberg  had  to 
accede,  and  he  did  so  the  more  readily  as  Bertrich  as- 
sured him  that  the  hot-tempered  Count  would  make 
some  insulting  reply  which  would  offend  the  northern 
Archbishop  when  it  was  reported  to  him.  Although 
the  cautious  Arnold  was  usually  most  scrupulous  in 
his  observance  of  forms  and  ceremonies,  he  had  been 
so  angered  in  this  instance,  first  by  the  successful  flight 


!l 


FIRST  ATTACK  ON  CASTLE  THURON.   235 


gh 
in 

en 


of  his  ward,  from  under  his  very  roof,  and  second  by 
the  contemptuous  defiance  of  himself  by  his  vassal, 
Heinrich  of  Thuron,  whom  he  had  always  hated,  that 
he  was  now  eager  to  recover  lost  prestige,  and  to  ac- 
complish by  instant  overwhelming  force  the  downfall 
of  the  Black  Count.  He  was  the  less  particular  in  this 
matter  as  it  never  occurred  to  him  that  his  action 
might  possibly  come  up  for  review  and  judgment  by 
his  own  nominal  over-lord  the  Emperor,  for  no  Em- 
peror in  recent  ages  had  commanded  the  slightest 
respect.  When  it  is  remembered  that  twenty-two 
years  before  the  election  of  Rodolph,  the  Archbishop 
of  Treves  had  captured  the  capital  itself,  Frankfort 
being  the  place  where  the  election  of  Emperor  was 
held,  and,  keeping  the  Archbishops  of  Cologne  and 
Mayence  outside  the  gates,  proceeded  himself  to  elect 
an  Emperor,  while  the  shut-out  electors  met  under  the 
walls  and  solemnly  elected  another,  some  idea  may  be 
formed  of  the  slight  influence  an  Emperor  had  over 
his  proud  and  powerful  vassals. 

It  was  arranged  that  the  force  on  the  heights  to  the 
south  of  Thuron,  concealed  in  the  iorc'^*^,  should  be 
augmented  by  others  from  the  plain  by  the  river,  com- 
prising a  company  of  crossbow  men  and  a  troop  of 
lancers,  the  first  to  harass  the  garrison  while  the  gate 
was  being  battered  down,  the  second  to  storm  the  cas- 
tle when  a  breach  was  made  for  them.  The  attack 
was  to  be  delivered  when  the  embassy  had  retired 
after  receiving  the  contumacious  reply  of  Count  Hein- 
rich. The  assault  was  to  have  been  led  by  Count 
Bertrich  and  the  envoy  of  Cologne,  but  when  the  two 
had  reached  the  shelter  of  the  forest,  Bertrich's  col- 
league refused  to  take  part  in  the  fray,  until  he  had 
first  acquainted  his  master  with  the  purport  of  the  con- 
ference at  the  gate  of  Thuron.  By  this  time  Count 
Bertrich  felt  that  he  had  come  badly  off  in  his  diplo- 
matic bout  with  the  Black  Count,  and  the  knowledge 
maddened  him.  He  therefore  told  his  ally  that  Col- 
ogne might  do  as  he  pleased,  but  Treves  would  attack 
immediately,  and  the  two  Archbishops  might  settle 


ti 


•  I 


236 


TEKLA. 


details  after  the  castle  was  captured.  Bertrich  be- 
lieved that  his  success  in  taking  the  fortress  would 
more  than  blot  out  any  resentment  his  master  might 
feel  for  his  failure  in  diplomacy,  as  he  well  knew  the 
state  of  Arnold  von  Isenberg's  mind  regarding  Count 
Heinrich  ;  furthermore,  he  had  not  the  slightest  doubt 
that  with  the  forces  at  his  command,  he  would  speed- 
ily be  in  possession  of  Castle  Thuron. 

So  the  envoy  of  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne,  at- 
tended by  his  guard,  passed  through  the  forest  into 
the  ravine  of  the  Thaurand,  and  thus  up  to  the  heights 
of  the  Bieldenburg,  where  the  tent  of  his  master  was 
situated. 

'  Rodolph  and  Heinrich  were  still  standing  on  the 
platform  above  the  gate  when  they  saw  emerging  from 
the  forest  ^.  monster  closely  resembling  the  dragons 
which  were  supposed  to  infest  the  Rhine,  but  from 
whose  baleful  presence  the  Moselle  had  hitherto  been 
free.  Rodolph  gazed  at  its  coming  with  astonishment 
in  his  eyes,  and  the  swarthy  countenance  of  the  Count 
seemed  almost  to  blanch,  for  although  that  courageous 
man  was  not  afraid  of  the  Archbishops  and  their  ar- 
mies, he  was  in  deadly  fear  of  dragons.  If  their  Lord- 
ships had  invoked  the  aid  of  such,  then  was  Thuron 
indeed  doomed.  But  as  the  apparition  came  nearer  it 
proved  to  be  a  huge  oaken  tree,  stripped  of  its  bark, 
advancing,  butt  foremost,  towards  the  castle.  On  the 
underpart  all  the  limbs  had  been  lopped  off,  but  at 
each  side  of  it  the  branches  remained,  stripped  of 
leaves  and  twigs,  sprouting  out  like  the  fins  of  a  gi- 
gantic fish  to  right  and  left.  The  great  tree  was  borne 
aloft  on  the  shoulders  of  more  than  twoscore  men, 
who  were  distributed  equally  on  either  side  of  it,  and 
so  it  advanced  slowly,  with  its  white  body  and  gaunt 
branches,  like  an  enormous  centipede.  It  was  ev- 
idently the  intention  of  the  carriers  to  throw  the  tree 
from  their  shoulders  at  the  gate,  and  then  taking  it 
by  the  branches,  half  a  dozen  or  more  at  each  limb, 
swing  it  back  and  forth,  using  it  as  a  battering  ram 
to  force  in  the  gate.     The  men  carrying  this  monster 


FIRST  ATTACK  ON  CASTLE  THURON.  237 


oak  had  still  breath  enough  left  to  cheer  as  they  ad- 
vanced, and  Count  Bertrich,  in  the  full  armour  he  had 
worn  at  the  conference,  rode  by  the  side  of  this  strange 
procession  encouraging  the  bearers  by  word  and  mo- 
tion of  the  sword.  From  out  of  the  wood,  like  the 
first  flakes  of  a  snow  storm  driven  by  a  gale,  came 
bolts  from  crossbows,  the  pioneer  shafts  falling  far 
short  of  the  walls,  but  gradually  coming  nearer  as  the 
bowmen  the  better  estimated  the  distance.  Bertrich 
waved  his  sword  at  those  in  the  forest,  indicating  that 
a  closer  approach  would  please  him  better,  and  by  and 
by  the  bolts  began  to  strike  against  the  walls  and  even 
fall  into  the  courtyard. 

The  Black  Count,  as  soon  as  he  was  assured  that  he 
had  to  contend  with  the  things  of  this  world  only, 
took  on  at  once  the  mien  of  a  true  commander.  He 
ordered  up  his  catapult  men,  and  two  stalwart  fellows 
were  speedily  at  the  levers  of  the  engine,  working 
back  the  flexible  arms  of  timber  which  acted  as  motive 
power  for  the  huge  balls  of  stone.  As  the  bolts  from 
the  crossbows  began  to  fall  here  and  there  on  the 
walls,,  Heinrich  turned  to  Rodolph  and  curtly  ordered 
him  to  seek  another  portion  of  the  castle. 

"  I  am  very  well  where  I  am,"  answered  the  Em- 
peror. "  I  wish  to  see  the  result  of  the  attack,  and 
am   also   anxious  to  watch  your  practice  with  this 


en£Tine. 


The  Black  Count  bent  a  look  upon  the  younger 
man  that  was  not  pleasant  to  behold,  but  before  he 
could  speak  again  the  other  added  hastily  : 

•*  I  am  wrong,  my  Lord  ;  I  go  at  once." 

"  When  you  have  armour  on  you,  I  shall  be  glad  of 
your  company,"  said  Heinrich,  in  atone  less  truculent 
than  his  glance. 

The  Emperor,  fearing  to  miss  the  issue  of  the  fight, 
did  not  betake  himself  to  the  armoury  to  fit  a  suit  to 
his  body,  but  mounted  to  his  eyrie  on  the  south 
tower,  where  he  found  the  archer  watching  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy  with  great  interest.  The  cata- 
pult was  at  work,  but  doing  no  execution.     It  seemed 


238 


TEKLA. 


impossible  to  predict  where  one  of  the  huge  pieces  of 
rock  it  flung  would  alight ;  some  went  crashing  into 
the  forest  and  perhaps  had  an  influence  in  frightening 
the  crossbow  men,  although  there  was  little  indication 
of  any  such  result,  for  the  bolts  came  as  thickly  as 
ever,  and  were  now  so  truly  aimed  that  they  harassed 
the  defenders  on  the  walls.  The  majority  of  the 
granite  balls,  however,  fell  to  the  right  of  the  ap- 
proaching party  and  bounded  harmlessly  down  the 
hill.  Meanwhile  the  men  at  the  levers  worked  like 
demons  after  each  shot,  and  so  hard  was  their  labour 
that  others  had  to  take  their  places  after  a  few  rounds. 
There  was  no  question  that  if  they  once  succeeded  in 
getting  the  range,  and  dropped  a  few  of  the  boulders 
on  the  procession  they  would  speedily  demoralise  it, 
but  those  carrying  the  tree  not  only  moved  forward, 
but  advanced  in  a  zig-zag  fashion,  that  made  marks- 
manship difficult,  even  had  the  cumbrous  instrument 
lent  itself  to  accurate  aiming,  which  it  did  not.  The 
Emperor  saw  at  once  that  Heinrich  should  have  had 
several  catapults  over  the  gate  instead  of  one,  for  the 
interval  after  each  discharge  was  quite  long  enough 
for  great  advances  to  be  made  between  shots.  Also 
Heinrich  was  weak  in  having  no  men  of  the  crossbow. 
This  siege  had  come  upon  him  so  suddenly  that  there 
had  been  scant  time  for  the  training  or  arming  of 
crossbow  men,  and  in  his  marauding  expeditions  he 
had  never  needed  them.  It  was  also  evident  that  his 
men  were  unaccustomed  to  catapult  work.  The  cas- 
tle had  never  before  been  attacked,  and  although  the 
engines  had  long  been  part  of  the  equipment  of  the 
walls,  yet  had  there  been  no  occasion  heretofore  to  use 
them.  So  the  Count  fought  at  a  grievous  disadvantage, 
and  was  well  aware  of  the  fact,  for  he  worked  like  a 
madman,  sometimes  even  handling  the  levers  himself, 
when  a  man  was  injured  by  the  flying  bolts,  or 
showed  signs  of  exhaustion.  The  men  themselves, 
although  they  v/orked  doggedly  under  the  eyes  of  the 
Count,  gave  no  answering  cheer  when  the  besiegers 
shouted  their  exultation  at  the  erratic  work  of  the 


FIRST  ATTACK  ON  CASTLE  THURON.  239 

stone-heaver,  and  the  crossbow  brigades  now  issued 
from  the  forest,  and  boldly  planted  the  stakes  on 
which  their  weapons  rested  in  the  open,  concentrating 
their  bolts  on  those  who  manned  the  only  engine  of 
defence.  One  valiant  crossbow  man,  panting  for 
'.istinction  under  the  eye  of  a  leader  who  was  quick  to 
recognise  bravery,  ran  with  weapon  and  stake  far 
ahead  of  those  coming  with  the  battering  ram,  planted 
his  stake  not  more  than  a  score  of  lance  lengths  from 
the  gate,  and  began  to  prepare  for  a  trial  at  close 
quarters.  This  so  enraged  the  Black  Count  that  he 
seized  one  of  the  great  spheres  of  stone,  and  not  wait- 
ing to  place  it  in  the  slow  engine,  hoisted  it  up  and 
poising  it  for  one  brief  second  above  his  head,  as  he 
stood  on  the  edge  of  the  parapet,  flung  it  with  such 
accuracy  and  such  tremendous  force,  that  it  rolled 
at  great  speed  towards  the  man,  who  turned  and  fled 
in  terror,  leaving  his  weapon  and  stake  behind  him, 
amidst  the  jeers  of  his  own  comrades,  and  the  first 
cheer  that  went  up  from  the  garrison. 

"  Wait  till  we  get  the  villains  under  us  at  the  gate, 
and  we  will  need  no  catapult,"  roared  Heinrich,  in  a 
voice  of  thunder ;  and  indeed,  here  was  a  danger  that 
made  the  attacking  party  pause  for  a  moment  until 
urged  on  again  by  their  intrepid  leader. 

When  Rodolph  arrived  at  the  top  of  the  tower,  the 
archer  looked  up  at  him  with  an  expression  of  inquiry, 
and  seemed  not  too  well  pleased  with  his  coming. 
On  the  ledge  of  the  stone  coping,  the  Emperor  saw 
arrayed  with  nice  precision  a  dozen  arrows,  all  an 
equal  distance  apart.  The  bow  was  in  Surrey's  hand, 
strung  and  ready  for  action,  but  his  jaw  dropped  on 
seeing  the  Emperor,  who  gazed  at  the  mathematically 
arranged  display  on  the  coping  with  a  smile  curling 
his  lip. 

"  John  Surrey,"  he  said,  "  I  trust  it  was  not  your 
intention  to  molest  the  Archbishop's  troops  without 
command  of  your  superior  officer." 

"Well,  my  Lord,"  replied  the  archer,  in  a  hesita- 
ting  tone    most    unusual  with  him,  "  it   is  difficult 


.'240 


TEKLA. 


I  / 


to  see  so  pretty  a  fight  in  progress  and  not  do  some* 
thing  to  the  furthering  of  it.  The  Archbishop  has  a 
hundred  bowmen,  such  as  they  are,  while  his  Darkness 
does  not  appear  to  have  one,  if  I  am  not  to  be  allowed 
to  draw  string." 

'  "  But  we  have  no  quarrel  with  the  Archbishop, 
John." 

••  Indeed,  my  Lord,"  answered  Surrey,  bitterly, 
"  you  forgot  that,  when  you  ordered  me  to  bend  bow 
against  his  two  men-at-arms  on  the  hill  yonder." 

"  True,  true,  so  I  did,  and  right  well  you  acquitted 
yourself.     Can  you  do  the  same  from  this  height  ?  " 

"  Can  I  ?  My  fingers  were  just  getting  beyond  my 
control  when  you  came  up.  No  man  could  wish 
better  shooting  than  is  here  to  his  hand." 

"  We  will  wait  a  little  and  see  if  they  cannot  do 
better  with  the  catapult.  They  need  some  practice, 
and  will  never  have  a  finer  opportunity." 

"  Look  you,  my  Lord,  at  the  crossbow  shooting. 
Did  you  ever  see  the  air  so  thick  and  so  little  damage 
done?  'Tis  a  most  contemptible  instrument,  as  I 
have  before  averred  to  you,  and  now  you  can  see  its 
uselessness  for  yourself.  A  body  ol  English  archers 
would  have  had  the  castle  taken  and  the  Count  well 
hanged  long  ere  this." 

"  I  hardly  see  how  archers  alone  could  scale  the 
battlements,  however  expert  they  might  be;  but  per- 
haps they  project  each  other  over  stone  walls  attached 
to  their  arrows ;  they  do  such  wonderful  things  in 
England." 

"  I  make  bold  to  inform  you,  my  Lord,  that " 

"  I  do  not  doubt  it.     Let  us  watch  the  fight." 

When  the  cheer  went  up  that  greeted  the  hurling 
of  the  stone,  and  the  very  precipitate  flight  of  the 
jeopardised  crossbow  man,  the  Emperor  turned  to 
the  offended  and  silent  archer  and  said  : 

"  Now  is  your  time,  John.  Show  them  what  true 
marksmanship  is,  and  remember  the  eyes  of  Germany 
are  on  you,  or  presently  will  be." 

The  archer  needed  no  second   bidding.     Rubbing 


;     I 


FIRST  ATTACK  ON  CASTLE  THURON.   241 

his  right  foot  on  the  roof  to  make  certain  against 
slipping,  then  standing  squarely  with  feet  the  correct 
distance  apart,  in  a  position  where  the  arrows  laid  out 
were  ready  to  his  hand,  Surrey,  with  tightly  set 
lips  and  wrinkled  brow,  launched  shaft  after  shaft  in 
marvellously  quick  succession.  The  first  man  at  the 
butt  end  of  the  log  on  the  right  hand  side  fell,  pierced 
in  the  neck  downwards  through  the  body.  The 
second  man  on  the  same  side  dropped,  then  the  third, 
then  the  fourth,  then  the  fifth.  The  sixth  man 
jumped,  with  a  yell  of  terror,  to  one  side,  leaving  his 
place,  while  the  remainder  not  understanding  what 
had  happened,  straining  to  uphold  their  increased 
burden,  at  last  gave  way,  and  the  falling  log  pinned 
many  of  them  to  the  ground. 

The  archer,  the  frenzy  of  killing  in  his  eye,  a  verit- 
able angel  of  death  on  the  tower,  shouted  sharply  to 
the  Emperor,  as  if  Rodolph  were  his  menial,  "  Scatter 
more  arrows  on  the  coping,"  and  his  Majesty  promptly 
obeyed. 

Into  the  midst  of  the  now  panic-stricken  crowd, 
that  a  moment  before  had  so  proudly  borne  aloft  the 
oaken  tree,  Surrey  sped  his  winged  messengers,  each 
bringing  forth  a  yell  of  pain  or  an  expiring  groan. 
Count  Bertrich,  lashing  about  him  with  the  flat  of  his 
sword,  tried  to  stay  the  flight  of  his  men,  but  without 
avail. 

"  Roll  the  log  from  your  comrades,  you  cowardly 
dogs,  and  then  fly  if  you  must!"  he  shouted,  but  his 
commands  were  unheeded.  ' 

"  Shoot  none  of  those  pinned  to  the  ground,"  cried 
the  Emperor. 

"  Have  you  ever  seen  me  shoot  a  helpless  man  or 
horse — except  Bertrich's?"  cried  the  insulted  archer. 
"  More  arrows  and  less  talk." 

••  Discipline  and  respect  have  both  gone  for  the 
time  being,"  said  Rodolph  to  himself,  with  a  chuckle, 
as  he  placed  arrows  from  the  pile  along  the  coping. 
The  thought  of  Bertrich's  horse  turned  the  archer's 
attention   to   that    thoroughly   enraged    commander. 


I     :ll 


242 


TEKLA. 


One  arrow  glanced  from  Bertrich's  shoulder,  and 
another  struck  him  squarely  on  the  side  of  the  head, 
shattering  itsdf,  but  dealing  a  staggering  blow  to  the 
Count.  Bertrich  shook  aloft  his  sword  defiantly  at 
the  man  on  the  tower,  and  received  a  third  arrow  in 
his  sleeve  which  came  perilously  near  to  be  the  undo- 
ing of  him. 

'*  Shoot  me  that  archer  on  the  tower !  "  he  said,  to 
his  crossbow  men.  **  Let  one  bolt  at  least  among  the 
hundreds  you  have  wasted  account  for  itself." 

But  the  order  was  more  easy  to  give  than  to  obey. 
The  crossbow  is  not  suited  to  upward  firing,  for  if  a 
man  uses  a  stake,  he  must  lie  down  to  shoot  at  a 
height.  Surrey,  however,  turned  with  an  exultant 
laugh  towards  those  bowmen  who  had  the  courage  to 
try  conclusions  with  him,  and  pinned  three  to  the 
earth  while  the  others  took  to  flight  leaving  their 
cumbrous  weapons  behind  them.  A  moment  later  the 
surviving  crossbow  men  were  safe  in  the  forest. 

Count  Bertrich,  to  whom  the  archer  again  turned 
his  attention,  sprang  from  his  horse,  paying  little  heed 
to  the  shafts,  and,  going  to  the  tail  end  of  the  log, 
exerted  his  great  strength,  pulling  it  partly  from  those 
nearest  him,  who,  getting  up,  sorely  bruised  as  they 
were,  lent  a  hand  and  rolled  the  log  from  the  others. 

"  Stop ! "  cried  the  Emperor  to  the  archer,  in  a 
tone  of  voice  which  left  no  doubt  that  authority  had 
returned  to  its  usual  habitation. 

Surrey  paused,  and  turned  a  sweat-bedewed  face  to- 
wards his  master. 

"I  am  not  hurting  him,"  he  protested,  dolefully, 
"  and  it  is  excellent  practice." 

"  You  need  no  practice,  John ;  and  the  day  is 
triumphantly  yours  and  yours  alone.  Never  will  I 
believe  there  lives  on  this  earth  a  greater  bowman,  be 
he  English  or  the  devil  himself." 

"  Ah,"  cried  the  archer,  drawing  a  long  breath  of 
deep  satisfaction,  "  if  you  could  but  see  Roger  Kent. 
God  grant  that  he  is  not  with  yonder  crowd  on  tlie  plain, 
or  some  of  us  will  never  set  foot  out  of  Thuron." 


li 


FIRST  ATTACK  ON  CASTLE  THURON.  243 


Black  Heinrich  stood  gazing  up  at  the  round  tower, 
an  unkempt  figure,  after  his  great  but  fruitless  exer- 
tions. Rodolph  waved  his  hand  to  him,  and  leaning 
over  the  coping  cried  : 

"  How  like  you  our  catapult,  my  Lord  ?  "  ' 

"  In  truth  it  is  amazing.  Guard  the  archer  well,  and 
see  he  does  not  expose  himself.  I  will  burn  this 
clumsy  implement  and  cook  our  dinners  at  the  fire. 
Tis  all  it's  fit  for." 

"  Your  men  are  not  in  practice.  Give  it  another 
chance." 

When  the  log  was  rolling  away,  many  who  were 
under  it  lay  prone  on  the  ground,  crushed  to  death. 
Count  Bertrich  approached  the  gate  on  foot,  his  hand 
upraised,  unheeding  the  catapult  which  Heinrich  kept 
his  men  steadily  working,  saying  that  if  Bertrich  did 
not  give  in,  he  would  not  cease  battle,  being  less 
chivalrous  toward  a  brave  enemy  than  Rodolph  had 
proved  himself. 

"  My  Lord  of  Thuron,"  cried  Bertrich,  when  within 
hearing  distance,  "  although  there  is  little  chance  of 
harm,  we  know  not  what  accidents  may  arise,  so  I  beg 
you  to  stop  your  practice,  as  some  of  my  poor  fellows, 
sorely  hurt  already,  may  suffer  if  I  do  not  formally 
proclaim  our  defeat  to  you.  I  have  no  flag  of  truce 
with  me,  and,  therefore,  ask  you  to  overlook  informal- 
ity, and  give  me  the  opportunity  of  conveying  away 
my  dead  and  wounded.* 

"  Your  request  is  granted,  my  Lord,'*  said  Heinrich, 
telling  his  men  to  cease  their  efforts,  "  and  I  hope  that 
to-day's  check  will  not  deprive  us  of  the  happiness  of 
meeting  you  again." 

"  From  what  I  have  seen  oi'  your  own  military  skill, 
my  Lord,  we  might  in  perfect  safety  camp  within  lance 
length  of  your  gate." 

With  which  interchange  of  civilities  Bertrich  strode 
back  to  attend  to  the  removal  of  those  who  were  in- 
jured,  while  the  Black  Count,  moodily  cursing  his 
catapult,  said  to  his  men  : 

*'  Follow  me  to  the  north  tower.  We  shall  see  if 
the  engine  there  is  no  surer  than  this  one." 


244 


TEKLA. 


1  ! 
i 


I  : 


i  ■ 


!    i 


>  As  the  Count  strode  away  Rodolph  joined  him, 
and  Heinrich  explained  half  apologetically  that  he 
was  about  to  test  all  the  other  catapults  in  the 
castle. 

"  I  am  going  to  heave  a  stone  into  the  Arch- 
bishop's big  tent,  if  you  have  no  objection,"  said  the 
Count. 

"  None  in  the  least,"  cried  the  Emperor,  "  provid- 
ing the  projecting  machine  is  equally  willing." 

A  round  stone  was  put  in  place,  when  the  levers 
had  done  their  duty,  and  Heinrich  himself  discharged 
the  shot.  The  formidable  projectile  described  an  arc 
over  the  profound  valley  of  the  Thaurand,  struck 
fairly  the  western  end  of  the  huge  tent,  and  disap- 
peared within  it,  leaving  a  ragged  hole  to  attest  its 
passage. 

"  Ah,  th^t  is  better,"  said  the  Black  Count,  in  a 
tone  of  exultant  satisfaction.  . 


■  f 


i  .  ; 


I 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 


THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT. 


The  great  white  tent  erected  on  the  heights  of 
Bieldenburg  was  in  reality  much  larger  than  it 
appeared  from  the  battlement  of  Thuron.  It  is 
doubtful  if  any  who  then  beheld  it,  lord  or  serf,  had 
the  slightest  conception  of  its  significance.  It  was 
actually  the  precursor  of  what  is  perhaps  the  grandest 
cathedral  the  world  has  ever  seen ;  and  when,  two 
years  after,  Konrad  von  Hochstaden  laid  the  foun- 
dation stone  of  Cologne  Cathedral,  it  was  the  designer 
of  thiu  tent  who  drew  the  plans  for  that  splendid 
edific?  vhich  was  not  to  be  completed  for  centuries 
later. 

If  the  three  Archbishops  of  Cologne,  Mayence  and 
Treves,  who  were  also  Electors,  could  have  held 
honestly  together,  and  could  have  suppressed  their 
jealousy  of  each  other,  they  might  have  swayed  the 
destinies  of  Germany  much  more  surely  than  they 
did,  for  they  needed  but  one  more  Elector  with  them 
to  form  a  majority  of  the  Electoral  College,  the 
number  of  whose  members  was  now  fixed  at  seven, 
a  figure  which  the  Germans  were  loath  to  change, 
because  it  had  come,  in  this  connection,  to  have  almost 
a  mystical  significance.  Not  only  had  the  Electors 
power  to  nominate  whom  they  pleased  as  Emperor, 
but  the  College  had  also  the  right  to  depose  him, 
yet  the  latter  privilege  was  practically  nullified  by 
their  fear  and  hatred  of  each  other,  so  that  after- 
wards an  acknowledged  fool,  Charles  IV.,  who  was 
held  in  such  slight  respect  that  a  butcher  in  Worms  had 
him  arrested  for  not  paying  his  meat  bill,  so  worked 
on  the  mutual  dislikes  of  the  Electors  that  he  not 


¥^ 


,.      ■■.^mT^^^^^^ 


I  I 


246 


TEKLA. 


:  iH 


I 


'i 


!r 


;  only  reigned  undeposed,  in  spite  of  a  thousand  reasons 
for  being  rid  of  him,  but  actually  arranged  matters  so 
that  his  weak-minded  son  was  elected  to  succeed  him, 
in  spite  of  the  determination  heretofore  held,  that  no 
colour  should  be  given  for  establishing  a  precedent 
that  a  son  might  succeed  his  father  on  the  German 
throne. 

The  Rhine,  flowing  from  Mayence  to  Cologne, 
seemed  to  have  formed  a  link  between  the  Arch- 
bishops  of  each  place,  and  they  were  usually  found  in 
alliance  with  each  other,  bonded  against  powerful 
Treves,  whose  iron-handed  master  had  defied  them 
both  and  held  them  at  bay  outside  the  barred  gates 
of  Frankfort.  The  astute  Arnold  von  Isenberg  had 
now  resolved  to  lure  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne  from 
the  Archbishop  of  Mayence,  and  thus  Treves  and 
Cologne  fpund  themselves  in  alliance  opposite  Thuron. 
What  the  inducements  were  is  unknown,  but  as  the 
Archbishop  of  Cologne  two  years  later  began  the  great 
Cathedral,  and  as  the  Archbishop  of  Treves  four  years 
later  began  the  castle  of  Stolzenfels  on  the  Rhine,  it 
may  be  surmised  that  there  were  mutual  concessions, 
and  that  each  was  reasonably  well  guaranteed  from 
interference  by  the  other.  Stolzenfels  stands,  as 
near  as  may  be,  midway  between  Cologne  and 
Mayence,  so  in  fixing  a  fortress  residence  for  himself 
and  his  successors  right  on  the  line  of  communication 
between  his  two  rivals,  it  must  be  admitted  that  the 
Archbishop  of  Treves  had  a  substantial  advantage  in 
the  bargain.  This  desertion  of  his  ancient  ally  must 
have  somewhat  surprised  the  Archbishop  of  Mayence, 
for  he  doubtless  remembered  that  twenty-one  years 
before,  Frederick  von  Isenberg,  a  relative  of  the 
master  of  Treves,  had  assassinated  on  the  Cavelsburg, 
Engelbert  von  Berg,  Archbishop  of  Cologne,  the  pre- 
decessor of  Konrad  von  Hochstaden,  one  Archbishop 
reigning  between. 

There  were  also  reasons  of  locality  which  made  an 
alliance  between  Coloorne  and  Treves  natural.  May- 
ence up  the   Rhine,  Cologne   down  the   Rhine,  and 


)hop 


THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT.   247 

Treves  up  the  Moselle  formed  the  points  of  a  large 
triangle,  and  the  latter  cities  being  further  from  the 
capital  than  the  other,  were  perhaps  freer  from  fear 
of  whatever  influence  the  Court  might  possess. 

It  had  long  been  the  ambition  of  Cologne  to  build 
a  Cathedral  in  keeping  with  the  growing  ambition  of 
the  Archbishopric.  Both  Mayence  and  Treves  had 
{Treat  Cathedrals.  The  Cathedral  at  Mayence  had 
been  four  times  destroyed  by  fire  within  the  past  two 
centuries  and  had  arisen  like  an  ecclesiastical  phoenix 
in  greater  splendour  after  each  conflagration.  That 
of  Treves  had  been  built  on  the  site  of  the  Roman 
Basilica,  and  was  said  to  rival  the  ancient  edifice  in 
size  and  magnificence.  The  ill-fated  Engelbert  took 
the  first  steps  towards  the  beginning  of  a  Cathedral  in 
Cologne  that  would  at  least  equal  those  of  Mayence 
and  Treves,  but  his  assassination  ended  the  scheme 
for  a  time.  His  successor  did  nothing,  and  now  that 
Konrad  von  Hochstaden  was  Archbishop  he  was  am- 
bitious to  link  his  name  with  the  commencement  of  an 
edifice  that  would  eclipse  anything  then  in  existence. 
It  was  his  intention  to  employ  the  greatest  architects 
in  Germany,  and  when  this  determination  spread 
abroad,  it  caused  many  artists  more  or  less  known  to 
submit  plans  to  him,  but  none  of  these  met  the  Arch- 
bishop's entire  approbation. 

There  came  a  man  from  a  small  village  near  Cologne 
who  desired  to  submit  designs  for  a  great  church,  but 
being  without  influence  and  without  wealth  he  never 
succeeded  in  gaining  audience  with  the  princely  Arch- 
bishop. He  had  no  gold  with  which  to  bribe  attend- 
ants and  no  highly  placed  friends  who  could  whisper 
a  word  for  him  at  the  proper  moment.  Yet  he  had 
one  friend  who  believed  in  him.  Father  Ambrose, 
clerical  secretary  to  the  Archbishop,  was  a  native  of 
the  small  and  insignificant  village  of  Riehl  near  Col- 
ogne, where  the  man  ambitious  to  build  a  Cathedral 
lived,  and  Meister  Gerard,  the  architect,  was  well 
known  to  him.  Ambrose  spoke  once  or  twice  to 
Konrad  regarding  this  man,  but  the  Archbishop  was 


1  .ii 


i 

If 

ii 
it 


;    I ; 


i  V. 


k 


Ii 


I      ! 


Ii   I 


I     ! 


ill 


248 


TEKLA. 


then  busy  with  the  secret  envoys  from  Treves,  and 
while  war  is  being  concocted,  churches  must  stand  in 
abeyance.  When  these  secret  negotiations  were  com- 
pleted. Father  Ambrose  again  attempted  to  bespeak  a 
hearing  for  his  fellow-townsman.  The  Archbishop, 
however,  was  not  then  in  the  architectural  mood,  and 
Ambrose  feared  his  request  had  been  inopportune. 

"You  are  a  good  man,  Ambrose,"  said  the  Arch- 
bishop, "  but  persistent.  Now  let  me  tell  you  finally 
what  my  purpose  is.  It  is  not  a  village  church  I  wish 
to  see  builded,  but  a  Cathedral  that  will  outshine  Im- 
perial Rome  herself.  Therefore  it  is  not  a  village 
architect  I  am  on  the  outlook  for,  but  one  who  will 
prove  the  modern  brother  of  the  builder  of  the  Par- 
thenon in  Athens." 

'•  I  know  not  who  built  the  Parthenon,  my  Lord," 
said  the  monk,  with  the  dogged  pertinacity  of  the 
North  German,  "but  it  may  have  been  a  village  arch- 
itect, despised  by  the  great  of  Greece." 

"  It  may  indeed  be  so.  Whence  comes  this  arch- 
itect of  yours?" 

"  From  Riehl,  my  Lord." 

"  From  Riehl,  indeed  !  You  might  at  least  have 
given  us  a  town  the  size  of  Bonn.  From  Riehl !  " 
The  Archbishop  threw  back  his  head  and  laughed. 

"  *  Can  any  good  come  out  of  Nazareth,*  quoth  they 
of  old,"  said  the  monk,  solemnly.  The  Archbishop 
became  instantly  serious. 

"  Ambrose,  that  smacks  strongly  of  the  sacrilegious." 

"  I  may  put  it  thus  then — *  A  prophet  is  not  without 
honour  but  in  his  own  country,  and  among  his  own 
kin,  and  in  his  own  house,*  "  said  the  monk,  giving  the 
quotation  in  Latin. 

"  You  think  much  of  this  man  ?  " 

"  I  do  iideed,  my  Lord." 

"Then  I  will  give  him  a  commission,  but  it  shall 
not  be  the  building  of  a  Cathedral.  I  have  made  com- 
pact with  my  brother  of  Treves,  Arnold  von  Isenberg, 
too  long  estranged  from  me.  We  are  more  like  to 
find  ourselves  engaged  in  tearing  down  than  in  build- 


THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT.   249 

ing  up.  Let  your  architect  then  design  for  me  a  large 
tent,  one  that  will  hold  a  hundred  men  while  seated 
at  dinner,  or  five  hundred,  with  tables  removed,  to 
hear  Mass.  Let  the  tent  be  well  proportioned,  for  in 
that  lies  architectural  skill.  Its  prnamentatipn  will 
give  little  scope  to  a  dull  man  and  much  to  one  who  is 
ingenious.  Draw  what  money  is  needed  from  the  Treas- 
ury for  its  construction,  and  see  that  the  sum  be  ample, 
so  thai  your  architect  may  have  fair  recompense,  and 
that  I  may  not  be  ashamed  of  my  tent,  for  within  it 
shall  the  Archbishop  of  Treves  meet  me  in  conference. 
Have  the  tent  made  ready  as  soon  as  possible,  for  I 
know  not  the  day  I  may  need  it,  and  in  the  building 
of  it  let  your  fellow  remember  that  the  beauty  of  a 
tent  is  that  it  bears  transportation  well,  being  not  over 
bulky,  and  that  it  is  erected  quickly  and  stands  firmly 
in  a  storm." 

Thus  came  the  large  tent,  made  in  Cologne,  to  be 
placed  on  the  heights  of  Bieldenbur[{  over  the  Moselle, 
with  Meister  Gerard  himself  superintending  its  erec- 
tion. 

The  floor  had  been  constructed  of  flattened  timber, 
bedded  in  the  cement  used  for  the  building  of  castles, 
which  when  hardened  was  more  difficult  to  break  than 
the  stones  it  bound  together.  Over  this  was  laid 
Eastern  cloths,  soft  in  touch  to  the  foot,  and  pleasing 
in  colour  to  the  eye.  When  the  tent  was  erected, 
Meister  Gerard  waited  eagerly  until  the  sun  rose  next 
morning,  so  that  he  might  persuade  Ambrose  to  ask 
the  Archbishop's  criticism  of  the  work  now  completed 
that  he  might  thus  obtain  an  opportunity  to  speak 
with  the  great  ecclesiastic,  on  whom  the  architect  felt 
his  future  depended.  Gerard  saw  the  envoys  depart 
on  their  mission  to  the  castle,  and,  early  as  it  was,  he 
also  saw  Konrad  von  Hochstaden,  the  monk  Ambrose 
by  his  side,  walking  to  and  fro  before  the  Archbishop's 
residential  tent.  The  great  audience  pavilion  stood 
alone,  one  end  facing  the  east,  as  any  erection  intended 
for  the  use  of  two  Princes  of  the  Church  should  stand. 
To  the  north  of  it  was  the  cluster  of  tents  occupied 


250 


TEKLA. 


by  Konrad  and  the  numerous  attendants  who  waited 
upon  him.  To  the  south  was  a  similar  village  belong- 
ing to  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  each  village  being  at 
the  point  nearest  the  city  from  which  its  master  took 
his  title.  The  trumpets  were  blaring  before  Castle 
Thuron  when  Ambrose  induced  the  Archbishop  to  in- 
spect the  new  tent.  He  stood  within  it  and  gazed 
about  him,  while  the  architect,  near  by,  waited  for  a 
word  of  approval  or  condemnation. 

"  You  have  given  us  no  ornamentation,"  said  Kon- 
rad at  last. 

"  The  ornamentation,  my  Lord,  is  largely  in  its 
correct  proportion ;  nevertheless,  I  have  ventured  on 
a  touch  of  colour  which  may  be  seen,  or  not,  at  your 
Lordship's  pleasure." 

"  Let  us  behold  it,  then." 

The  architect  gave  a  si^^nal  to  two  workmen  who 
waited  at  the  western  end  of  the  tent,  and  the,',  by 
the  pulling  of  cords,  rolled  up  an  inner  screen.  There 
was  disclosed  a  picture  wrought  in  many  coloured 
silks,  deftly  sewn  together,  representing  the  arms  of 
Cologne  and  Treves  in  juxtaposition.  The  light  shone 
through  the  scheme  of  colour  from  the  outside,  and 
the  richness  of  the  painting  stood  out  with  the  more 
distinctness  that  the  whole  interior  of  the  tent  was  of 
one  subdued  hue  of  white. 

"  That  is  most  ingenious,"  the  Archbishop  was 
pleased  to  say,  to  the  architect's  gratification.  "  We 
will  have  it  remain  so." 

"  I  have  another  picture  on  the  eastern  end  as 
well,"  said  Gerard.  "  Have  I  your  Lordship's  per- 
mission to  exhibit  that  also  ?" 

"  Surely,  surely,"  answered  Konrad,  whereupon  the 
two  workmen  walked  the  length  of  the  tent,  and 
rolled  up  another  screen  similar  to  the  first. 

The  result  was  most  startling.  The  morning  sun 
shone  fully  upon  the  eastern  end  of  the  tent  and 
imparted  a  glory  to  the  rich  colouring,  which  gave  the 
picture  a  brilliancy  savouring  more  of  Heaven  than 
of    earth.    The    design    represented    a    twin    spired 


THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT.   251 


red 


Cathedral,  worked  out  in  the  fullest  detail,  the  spires 
encrusted  with  ornament,  the  beautiful  Gothic  door 
between  them  being  a  model  of  correct  proportion, 
yet  of  immense  size,  the  whole  representation  one  on 
which  the  eye  rested  with  ever  increasing  delight, 
wonder,  and  admiration. 

For  some  moments  the  Archbishop  stood  speechless 
before  this  marvel  in  line  and  tint.     At  last  he  said : 

"  It  is  not  possible  that  such  a  building  actually 
exists  and  I  have  never  heard  of  it !     Where  is  it  ?  " 

"  Only  in  my  brain,  my  Lord,  but  it  may  exist  in 
Cologne,  if  your  Lordship  so  wills  it." 

"Ah!"  The  Archbishop  drew  a  long  sigh  of 
supreme  gratification.  '*  Are  you  sure  you  sold  not 
your  soul  to  the  devil  for  this  design,  Meister  Gerard." 

"  I  had  hoped  your  Lordship  would  attribute  the 
design  to  a  higher  source.  It  was  my  belief  that  in- 
spiration prompted  the  picture  which  made  me  so 
persistent  in  trying  to  obtain  permission  from  your 
Lordship  to  exhibit  to  you  the  drawings.  There  will 
be  no  Cathedral  like  that  of  Cologne  in  all  the  rest  of 
the  world,  if  this  building  is  erected." 

*•  You  speak  truly.  Let  down  the  curtain,  and  see 
that  it  is  securely  fastened.  The  design  cannot  be  seen 
from  without,  can  it  ?     I  did  not  notice  it  as  I  entered." 

"  No,  my  Lord,  unless  at  night  when  the  tent  is 
lighted,  and  then  only  when  the  curtain  is  raised." 

"  This  curtain  is  not  to  be  raised.  No  one  must 
look  upon  this  picture.  Have  a  new  end  made  for 
this  tent,  and  put  in  a  drawing  of  Treves  Cathedral  if 
you  like,  but  this  is  to  be  seen  by  none.  Meister 
Gerard,  you  are  the  j.rchitect  of  Cologne  Cathedral. 
He  is  to  have  a  room  in  the  palace,  Ambrose,  and  a 
fitting  allowance  :  see  to  it.  As  soon  as  another  end 
is  in  place,  get  you  back  to  Cologne  and  work  upon 
your  plans.  Men  less  inspired  will  attend  to  th« 
fighting." 

Therefore  was  the  stay  of  Meister  Gerard,  architect 
of  Cologne  Cathedral,  of  short  duration  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  Moselle. 


! 


m  I 


252 


TEKLA. 


The  Archbishop  was  still  in  the  tent  when  his  envoy 
returned  from  the  mission  to  Castle  Thuron,  and  re- 
ported there  to  his  master  the  colloquy  that  had  taken 
place  between  Count  Heinrich  and  Bertrich.  Konrad 
von  Hochstaden  frowned  as  he  listened,  and  for  a 
time  pondered  deeply  in  silence  over  the  information 
he  had  received.  The  architect  and  the  workmen 
were  gone,  and  Archbishop,  envoy  and  monk  were 
alone  in  the  tent. 

"  You  say  that  Count  Bertrich  attacked  the  castle 
as  you  departed.     Are  any  of  my  men  in  the  fray  ?  ** 

"  No,  my  Lord.  I  urged  Count  Bertrich  to  post- 
pone assault  until  you  were  made  acquainted  with  the 
result  of  our  conference  at  the  gate,  but  this  he  re- 
fused to  do.  I  then  ordered  your  captain  to  hold 
aloof  until  he  got  direct  command  from  you." 

"  You  did  well.  This  Bertrich  seems  to  act  much 
on  his  own  responsibility ;  a  hot-headed  man,  whom 
perhaps  his  master  employs  for  that  very  reason ;  if 
successful,  the  Archbishop  may  commend,  and  if  un- 
successful, disclaim.  Is  there  a  chance  of  capturing 
the  castle  through  his  onslaught  ?  " 

"  I  could  form  no  opinion  thereon,  not  knowing 
how  rigorously  the  place  may  be  defended." 

"  I  must  have  some  explanation  from  Arnold  von 
Isenberg  before  the  question  is  decided.  Ambrose, 
deliver  greetings  from  me  to  the  Archbishop  of 
Treves,  and  acquaint  him  with  the  fact  that  I  av.  ait 
him  here,  as  there  art  iiiawcers  of  grave  import  to  dis- 
cuss." 

The  monk  departed,  and  presently  the  Archbishop 
of  Treves  entered  the  tent  attended  only  by  his  secre- 
tary. After  salutations  had  passed  between  the  two 
Princes,  Konrad  von  Hochstaden  began  the  discussion, 
going  directly  to  the  heart  of  the  matter,  as  was  his 
fashion,  for  he  never  imitated  the  round-about 
method  of  approaching  a  subject  that  so  much  com- 
mended itself  to  his  more  subtle  colleague. 

"  I  am  informed  that  Count  Bertrich  has  attacked 
the  castle,  and  is  at  present  engaged  in  its  reduction, 


THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT.   253 


and    this  without  waiting   for  co-operation    from  my 
forces."  ^ 

"  If  he  has  done  so,"  replied  Arnold  suavely,  "  he 
has  most  gravely  outrun  his  instructions." 

•*  He  furthermore  stated  to  the  Count  of  Thuron 
that  you  had  certain  powers  granted  you  by  the  Em- 
peror Rodolph.     What  is  the  nature  of  those  powers?  " 

"  In  that  also  is  Count  Bertrich  wrong.  I  have 
never  so  much  as  seen  the  Emperor  Rodolph." 

"You  may,  nevertheless,  have  had  communication 
with  him." 

"  I  have  had  no  communication  with  him." 

"  It  seems  strange  that  such  a  claim  should  have 
been  put  forward  on  your  behalf  by  your  own  envoy." 

"  I  cannot  account  for  it.  Bertrich  has  not  yet 
returned,  but  when  he  does,  I  shall  ask  him  for  an 
explanation,  and  that  in  your  presence.  He  is  a 
turbulent  man,  and  a  good  fighter,  but  difficult  to  re- 
strain. One  has  to  work  with  the  tools  that  come  to 
one's  hands,  and  often  the  service  is  ill-rendered,  as 
seems  to  have  been  the  case  in  this  instance." 

As  the  Archbishop  ceased  speaking  there  arose  cheer 
after  cheer  from  Castle  Thuron,  which  caused  all  pres- 
ent to  listen  intently,  and  for  a  short  time  nothing 
further  was  said.  It  was  his  Lordship  of  Cologne 
who  first  broke  silence. 

**  Those  cries  are  too  near  at  hand  to  betoken  vic- 
tory for  Count  Bertrich.  Perhaps  it  may  be  well  to 
send  him  reinforcements." 

"  No,"  said  Treves.  "  This  action  has  been  begun 
without  my  sanction,  and  Bertrich  must  conduct  it  as 
best  he  can.  He  has  the  demerit  of  being  over-con- 
fident, and  a  check,  while  not  affecting  the  final  re- 
sult, may  make  him  the  easier  to  reason  with,  and 
prevent  the  recurrence  of  such  hasty  unauthorised 
action." 

"  You  take  it  coolly.  I  confess  I  would  learn  with 
some  impatience  that  my  troops  were  being  over- 
borne, and  my  first  impulse  would  be  n  send  assist- 
ance." 


i 


i  !! 


ii^i 


1 


254 


TEKLA. 


"  Your  action  would  be  natural  and  creditable  to 
you,  but  there  is  more  at  stake  than  the  issue  of  a 
mel^e.  I  find  myself  unexpectedly  put  on  the  de- 
fensive, and  have  no  reply  to  make  beyond  giving 
you  my  simple  word.  I  know  no  more  than  you  do 
what  has  happened,  and  have  had,  as  yet,  no  account 
of  the  parley  with  the  occupier  of  Thuron.  It  is 
necessary  there  should  be  complete  confidence  be- 
tween you  and  me,  and  I  regret  that  in  the  very  be- 
ginning of  our  united  action,  suspicion  should  be 
engendered  in  your  mind.  If  Bertrich  captures 
Thuron,  he  mistakes  me  much  if  he  thinks  that  the 
bringing  thither  of  the  Black  Count  will  compensate 
for  the  shadow  he  has  cast  on  my  good  faith  with  you. 
Therefore  I  propose  to  await  his  coming,  and  I  shall 
be  most  gratified  to  have  you  question  him  before  he 
has  had  wbrd  with  me,  either  in  my  presence,  or  in 
my  absence,  as  best  pleases  you." 

The  candour  of  Arnold  von  Isenberg  made  an  evi- 
dent impression  on  his  suspicious  colleague,  who  said 
after  a  pause : 

"  Yes,  there  must  be  confidence  or  our  united  action 
will  be  futile.  There  are  our  arms,  side  by  side,  on 
the  end  of  this  tent,  facing  the  stronghold  which  we 
expect  to  reduce.  Our  several  motives  should  be  as 
plainly  in  sight  to  each  other,  which  is  my  excuse  for 
speaking  thus  openly  to  you,  rather  than  cherishing 
secret  distrust." 

The  sentence  was  strangely  interrupted.  The 
cheering  had  for  some  time  ceased,  and  now  through 
the  arms  of  Treves,  blazoned  on  the  wall,  there  came, 
with  a  sound  of  tearing  cloth,  the  huge  round  stone 
shot  from  the  catapult.  It  fell  with  a  resounding  crash 
on  the  floor  and  rolled  between  the  two  Electors,  who 
both  started  back  with  dismay  on  their  faces.  The  silk 
and  canvas  hung  in  tatters,  and  showed  beyond  a  bit 
of  the  blue  and  peaceful  sky.  The  Archbishop  of 
Cologne  devoutly  crossed  himself,  but  his  comrade  of 
Treves  looked  alternately  at  the  rent,  and  at  the  great 
missile  that  caused  it,  like  one  stupefied. 


THE  TWO  ARCHBISHOPS  FALL  OUT.  255 

"  If  I  believed  in  portents,"  said  the  Archbishop  of 
Cologne  in  the  uncertain  voice  of  one  who  did  so  be- 
lieve, •*  that  might  have  seemed  an  unlucky  omen." 

The  Lord  of  Treves,  recovering  himself,  shrugged 
his  shoulders. 

"  It  is  but  a  chance  shot,  and  the  rending  of  a  bit  of 
painted  cloth.  I  shall  send  flag  of  truce  to  Heinrich 
and  ask  him  to  deal  us  no  more  of  these  pleasant  sur- 
prises. If  he  refuses,  then  must  our  encampment  be 
removed  further  from  the  castle,  while  we  shall  place 
some  catapults  here  and  return  his  favours  to  him,  so 
I  have  little  doubt  he  will  consent  to  leave  us  unmo- 
lested." 

As  he  finished  speaking  there  entered  to  them 
Count  Bertrich,  his  face  flushed  with  anger,  but  his 
demeanour  in  a  measure  crestfallen.  He  bowed  to 
each  Prince  of  the  Church,  and  stood  there  silent, 
wincing  under  the  lowering  indignant  gaze  bestowed 
on  him  by  his  imperious  master. 


.;« ;  ■* 


.J,:^. 


i;  ii 


ill 


i 


•.\ 


I  ■ 


.■•A 


)*,,,: 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


I 


ni 


.    „      COUNT   BERTRICH   EXPLAINS   HIS  FAILURE. 

,    "  ■  '•  V. 

The  two  Archbishops  looked  at  one  another  as  if 
each  waited  for  his  colleague  to  begin. 

"  Will  you  question  Count  Bertrich,  my  Lord  ? " 
said  Treves,  at  last. 

"  No.  He  has  represented  you,  and  should  account 
to  you.  As  I  have  your  permission  to  note  his  replies, 
I  shall  put  question  when  I  have  heard  what  he  has 
to  say,  if  further  examination  seems  necessary." 

"You  went  on  a  diplomatic  mission,"  began  Treves, 
very  slowly  to  his  follower ;  *'  am  I  correct  in  surmis- 
ing that  you  return  from  a  battle  ?  " 

"Yes,  my  Lord." 

"  Is  it  true  that  you  began  this  attack  notwithstand- 
ing the  protest  of  my  ally's  representative  ?  " 

"  It  is,  my  Lord." 

**  In  pursuance  of  instructions  previously  given  by 
me?" 

"  No,  my  Lord ;  I  had  no  instructions  from  you  to 
offer  battle,  but  I  knew  it  was  your  intention  to  fight, 
if  Heinrich  refused  to  surrender.  He  did  so  refuse, 
and  I  took  it  upon  myself  to  begin." 

"  What  was  the  outcome  ?  " 

"  I  was  defeated,  my  Lord." 

"Have  you  lost  any  men?" 

"  Something  over  a  dozen,  and  under  a  score.  They 
were  killed  by  the  archer  I  told  you  of,  just  on  the 
point  of  victory.  We  would  have  had  the  castle  other- 
wise. 

"  You  return,  then,  a  defeated  man,  having  insulted 
your  master's  ally  by  refusing  to  listen  to  his  counsel, 
your  followers  arc  slain,  and  you  admit  having  acted 


COUNT  BERTRICH   EXPLAINS. 


25; 


without  orders.  What  have  you  to  say  in  excuse, 
Count  Bertrich  ?  " 

"  There  is  nothing  to  say  I  stand  here  to  take  the 
brunt  of  my  acts,  a  id  to  endure  what  punishment  is 
inflicted  upon  me.  A  fighting  man  makes  mistakes, 
and  must  bear  the  issue  of  them." 

"  Yet,  what  I  have  chronicled  is  not  the  most  seri- 
ous of  your  offences.  It  seems  hardly  credible  that 
you  should  have  said  such  a  thing,  but  I  am  told  you 
boasted  to  Heinrich  that  the  Emperor  had  bestowed 
certain  authority  on  me.  Made  you  any  such  state- 
ment, and  if  so,  what  explanation  have  you  to  offer  ?  " 

*'  I  out-lied  the  villain,  that  was  all  ?  " 

"To  whom  do  you  refer  when  you  speak  of  the 
villain?" 

"To  the  black  thief  of  Thuron.  Perhaps  I  should 
have  admitted  two  villains,  myself  being  the  other. 
He  said  that  he  would  surrender  the  castle  if  you  had 
authority  from  the  Emperor.  I  knew  he  was  lyi^J,^ 
and  would  surrender  to  none,  so  I  said  you  had  such 
authority."  ' 

"  What  grounds  had  you  for  making  such  state- 
ment ?  " 

"  No  grounds  whatever,  my  Lord.  It  was  merely  a 
case  of  two  liars  meeting,  one  on  horseback,  the  other 
on  the  walls  of  Thuron." 

Notwithstanding  the  seriousness  of  the  occasion,  a 
slight  smile  disturbed  the  severe  lips  of  the  questioner, 
and  a  more  kindly  light  came  into  his  eyes.  He  was 
shrewd  enough  to  see  that  the  blunt  and  prompt  out- 
spokenness of  the  Count  served  his  purpose  better 
than  the  answers  of  a  more  diplomatic  man  would 
have  done.  There  was  never  a  moment's  pause  be- 
tween question  and  reply,  nor  was  there  any  evidence 
on  the  part  of  Bertrich  of  an  endeavour  to  discover 
what  his  master  wished  him  to  say.  Any  sign  of  an 
understanding  between  the  two,  any  hesitation  on 
Bertrich's  part  in  answering,  might  have  added  to  the 
apprehensions  of  Konrad  von  Hochstaden.  But  the 
dullest  could  not  help  seeing  that  here  stood  a  brave 


ass 


TEKLA. 


!!       I 


:!' 


! 


!1    1 


unscrupulous  man  who  knew  he  had  done  wrong,  yet 
who  was  not  afraid  to  take  upon  himself  all  the  con- 
sequences, attempting  little  excuse  for  his  conduct. 
The  Lord  of  Treves  turned  to  the  Lord  of  Cologne. 
*'  Have  you  any  question  to  ask? "  he  said. 

"  Not  one.  I  have  nothing  to  say  except  to  beg  of 
you  not  to  visit  any  resentment  you  may  feel  upon 
Count  Bertrich,  who  is  a  brave  soldier,  if  an  unskillful 
liar.  Indeed  I  am  not  sure  but  the  Count  has  done 
us  both  a  service  in  bringing  to  an  issue  this  matter, 
which,  to  our  detriment,  might  have  dragged  on 
longer  than  would  have  been  convenient.  The  Black 
Count  seems  to  possess  some  skill  in  diplomacy,  which 
I  did  not  give  him  credit  for,  and  it  was  probably  his 
intention  to  keep  us  parleying  with  him  until  he  was 
better  prepared  to  receive  us.  All  that  now  remains 
for  us  to  do  is  to  plan  a  comprehensive  attack  on  the 
castle  with  our  whole  force,  which  will  be  immediately 
successful.  Your  archer  can  do  little  when  confronted 
by  an  army,  for,  as  I  understand  it,  there  is  but  one 
archer  in  the  castle.  Then  we  will  take  the  Black 
Count  and  the  other  prisoners  with  us  to  Treves  in  a 
few  days,  and  there  pass  judgment  upon  him,  fcr  I 
think  it  better  that  such  trial  should  take  place  under 
your  jurisdiction  than  undermine,  Heinrich  being  your 
vassal,  and  he  seems  to  show  a  preference  for  having 
all  transactions  done  in  strict  accordance  with  the 
feudal  law,  which  is  but  just  and  proper.  He  may 
then  appeal  to  the  Emperor — if  he  can  find  his  wan- 
dering Majesty." 

"  1  entirely  agree  with  your  argument,"  replied 
Treves;  and  turning  to  Count  Bertrich,  he  continued, 
"  In  deference  to  what  has  been  urged  on  your  behalf 
by  his  Lordship  of  Cologne,  I  shall  say  nothing  further 
in  regard  to  your  conduct,  beyond  breathing  a  fervent 
hope  that  you  will  not  so  offend  again.  Take  or  send 
a  flag  of  truce  to  Thuron  gates,  and  ask  the  Black 
Count  to  respect  this  camp.  Tell  him  that  if  he  will 
not  so  arrange,  he  will  merely  put  us  to  the  trouble  of 
moving  back  our  tents,  and   placing  catapults  here 


COUNT  BERTRlCil   EXPLAINS. 


259 


nt 
nd 
ck 
ill 
of 
Bre 


instead.  If  he  molest  us  not,  w-  shall  take  no  offen- 
sive measures  against  him  from  this  quarter.  This 
piece  of  rock  has  just  been  hurled  from  the  castle 
through  the  tent,  and  it  came  dangerously  near  being 
the  death  of  some  of  us." 

"  By  the  gods,  then,"  cried  Count  Bertrich,  *'  Hein- 
rich  has  greatly  improved  his  catapult  practice  ia  very 
short  time." 

"  We  have  no  desire  to  be  his  targets,  so  make  the 
arrangement  with  him  if  you  can." 

"  My  Lord,  if  I  may  venture  the  suggestion,  it  were 
better  to  have  no  further  traffic  with  the  Black  Count, 
for  I  doubt  if  he  will  keep  his  word,  even  if  he  gave 
it.  But  besides  that,  this  is  the  only  point  from  which 
a  catapult  can  be  of  service  against  the  castle.  Placed 
here,  half-a-dozen  engines,  energetically  worked,  might 
fill  his  courtyard  for  him.  I  strongly  urge  you  to  re- 
move the  tents  and  fix  catapults  in  their  places." 

"Count  Bertrich,"  said  Arnold,  harshly,  gazing 
coldly  upon  him,  "  this  morning's  excursion  has  led 
you  into  delusions  not  yet  cleared  away,  I  fear.  This 
campaign  is  to  be  conducted  by  the  Archbishop  of 
Cologne  and  myself.  We  desire  no  suggestions  from 
you,  but  very  prompt  obedience.  You  have  heard 
the  order,  transmit  it  to  one  of  your  officers,  for  I  dis- 
trust your  own  powers  as  faithful  envoy.  When  he 
reports  the  result  of  his  conversation  with  Count 
Heinrich  to  you,  you  will  then,  perhaps,  be  good 
enough  to  bring  the  tidings  to  me." 

Count  Bertrich  reddened  angrily,  kept  silence,  bowed 
to  the  two  dignitaries  and  withdrew. 

"  Nevertheless,"  he  muttered  to  himself  as  he  strode 
away,  "  it  is  folly  to  waste  the  best  point  of  attack  for 
the  convenience  of  two  Archbishops.  Heinrich  is  no 
such  fool  as  not  to  jump  at  such  a  senseless  proposal." 


I 


1 
i1 


i 


ill 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  SECOND   ASSAULF   ON   THE   CASTLE. 

The  swarthy  Heinrich,  summoned  once  again  by 
bugle  blast  to  the  gate  top  of  the  castle,  seeing  there 
a  man  with  white  flag,  heard  with  amazement  that 
thc^  nigh  and  honourable  Archbishops  did  not  wish  to 
be  incommoded  by  his  catapult  practice  and  the  in- 
coming inconvenience  of  the  lumps  of  stone,  and  were, 
therefore,  willing  themselves  to  forego  the  bombard- 
ing of  the  castle  from  that  point,  if  he  would  promise 
not  to  fling  rounded  granite  again  into  the  delibera- 
tions of  the  mighty  Lords  aforesaid.  Heinrich, 
casting  a  glance  over  his  shoulder  at  the  heights  of 
Bieldenburg,  scarcely  believing  that  men  pretending 
knowledge  of  war  and  siege  would  so  easily  forego  so 
great  an  opportunity  as  the  heights  afforded  them  for 
Ihe  annoyance  of  the  castle,  net  to  mention  the  de- 
struction which  might  be  caused  by  the  falling  of 
stone  on  the  roofs  inside  the  walls,  readily  gave  his 
consent  to  put  the  catapult  of  the  north  tower  out  of 
action — a  promise  which  he  duly  kept  in  the  letter,  if 
not  quite  in  the  spirit,  as  will  be  seen  when  this  his- 
tory has  somewhat  farther  extended  itself. 

So  great,  however,  was  his  distrust  of  humanity  in 
general,  and  the  Archbishops  in  particular,  that  he  did 
not  remove  his  catapult  from  the  north  tower  to 
some  part  of  the  battlements  where  it  could  make  its 
influence  felt  on  the  invaders,  but  kept  it  there  idle, 
expecting  that  their  Lordships  would,  when  they 
came  to  realise  the  advantages  of  the  situation,  forth- 
with break  their  word,  which,  it  is  pleasant  to  record, 
they  never  did.  The  inciJcal  of  the  white  flag  and 
its  missior  encouraged  Heinrich  mightily,  for  small  as 


SECOND  ASSAULT  ON  THE  CASTLE.    261 


was  his  respect  for  his  assailants  before,  it  was  less 
now.  They  might  easily  have  shifted  their  tents 
farther  back,  while  he  could  not  remove  the  castle,  nor 
eliminate  the  Bieldenburg,  and  thus  they  possessed 
a  notable  natural  advantage  over  him  which  they  had 
recklessly  bargained  away,  getting  practically  nothing 
in  exchange.  The  Black  Count  walked  up  and  down 
gleefully  rubbing  his  hands  together,  communing  with 
himself,  for  he  was  not  a  man  to  run  and  share  his 
satisfaction  with  another.  This  was  but  the  first  day 
of  the  siege,  yet  he  had  enjoyed  a  victory  in  diplo- 
macy, a  victory  in  battle  and  a  victory  in  bargaining, 
and  in  pluming  himself  thereon  he  quite  overlooked 
the  fact,  as  mankind  is  prone  to  do,  that  in  none  of 
the  three  cases  was  the  merit  due  to  himself,  but  to 
the  actions  of  others. 

There  were  to  be  no  more  pleasant  breakfasts  on 
the  top  of  the  south  tower,  it  being  within  the  range 
of  possibility  that  a  crossbow  bolt  might  find  its  way 
thither,  so  the  two  ladies  of  the  castle  could  not  be 
permitted  to  run  the  chance  of  such  an  eventuality. 
Heinrich,  however,  beginning  at  that  late  day  to  show 
some  human  interest  in  his  family,  arranged  that  they 
should  eat  together  in  the  great  hall.  Here  he  took 
the  head  of  the  table,  with  his  wife  and  Tekla  on  one 
side,  while  Rodolph  ocr-upied  a  seat  on  the  other. 
The  archer  had  proved  I  imself  no  less  expert  with 
cooking  utensils  than  with  the  bow„  and  on  the  pro- 
mise of  an  extra  penny  a  day,  willingly  prepared  their 
meals,  which  were  carried  in  by  two  men-at-arms,  who 
proved,  at  first,  clumsy  waiters  compared  with  the 
neat  and  deft-handed  Hilda.  These  meals,  however, 
were  anything  but  cheerful  functions,  for  the  Count 
and  his  wife  rarely  broke  silence,  and  although  some 
conversation  passed  between  Rodolph  and  Tekla,  it 
was  overshadowed  by  the  continual  gloom  that  £at  on 
the  brow  of  their  taciturn  host. 

Watch  was  set  for  the  night,  as  evening  fell  once 
more  upon  the  valley,  and  again  the  hundreds  of 
camp  fires  glowed  in  the  darkness,  while  up  from  the 


M 


li 


m 


m 


I;  r 


i'  .1 


262 


TEKLA. 


K 


i 


I 

t 

I' 


pi  i ; 


Bi 


Wii    ! 


tented  plain,  in  the  still  air,  came  the  singing  of  famil- 
iar songs,  deep  throated  bass  mingling  with  soprano 
and  tenor,  the  harmony  mellowed  by  distance,  sound- 
ing sweet  in  the  ears  of  the  beleaguered.  The  songs 
for  the  most  part  were  those  the  Crusade  had  brought 
forth,  and  the  words,  while  often  warlike,  even  more 
frequently  told  of  Christ  and  his  influence  on  the 
world.  They  were  the  songs  which  had  stirred  the 
sentiment  of  the  nation  and  had  caused  so  many  to  go 
forth  to  battle  for  the  rescue  of  the  true  sepulchre 
from  iniidel  hands.  Militant  marching  tunes  mingled 
with  other  sadder  strains  which  mourned  the  nonre- 
turn of  friends  from  the  Death  Plains  of  the  crimson 
East. 

In  the  morning  the  circling  army  was  early  astir, 
displaying  an  energy  not  less  remarkable  than  it  had 
exhibite4  on  the  previous  day.  It  was  evident  that 
an  attack  of  some  kind  was  contemplated,  and  those 
within  the  castle  had  not  long  to  wait  before  the  de- 
sign was  disclosed.  A  line  of  men,  probably  number- 
ing a  thousand,  was  drawn  up  at  the  foot  of  the  hill 
extending  between  the  village  of  Aiken  and  the  castle, 
from  the  north  of  the  Thaurand  valley  far  towards  the 
west.  The  warriors  stood  about,  or  sat  down,  or 
sprawled  at  full  length  on  the  ground,  as  suited  each 
soldier's  fancy,  and  apparently  waited  the  word  of 
command  which  their  officers,  standing  on  the  alert, 
would  giA^e  when  some  signal  was  shown  or  sounded. 
The  few  sentinels  on  watch  along  the  eastern  wall 
of  the  castle  gave  warning  that  a  like  company  of  men 
was  crawling  up  the  steep  slopes  of  the  Thaurand 
through  the  forest,  but  little  heed  was  given  to  them, 
as  the  eastern  sides  of  the  castle  were  so  high  that  no 
man  could  easily  win  to  the  top  with  any  ladder  the  be- 
siegers might  construct,  and  if  they  attempted  such  scal- 
ing, the  guards  at  the  top  would  have  no  difficulty 
in  dislodging  the  ladd-jrs  with  their  pikes  and  lances. 
The  line  near  Aiken  rested  out  of  reach  of  catapult- 
stones,  but  in  a  measure  only.  Although  the  catapult 
which  Heinrich  at  once  set  in  operation,  could   not 


SECOND  ASSAULT  ON  THE  CASTLE.     263 


hurl  a  stone  directly  on  their  line,  yet  the  balls  of 
granite  rolled  down  the  hill  with  irresistible  force,  and 
while  the  men  were  inclined  at  first  to  hail  these  mis- 
siles with  shouts  of  merriment,  dancing  this  way  and 
that  to  avoid  them,  several  standing  with  legs  wide- 
spread allowing  the  projectiles  to  pass  between  their 
feet,  yet  now  and  then  a  hurling  stone  would  take  an 
unexpected  leap  in  the  air  and  double  up  a  man,  whose 
laughter  was  heard  no  more.  After  some  moments  of 
eruptive  activity  on  the  part  of  the  castle  the  soldiers 
were  compelled  to  treat  the  efforts  of  the  enemy  with 
respect,  while  the  officers  moved  their  men  in  ex- 
tended order,  so  decreasing  the  danger  from  the  cata- 
pults. 

Presently  there  emerged  from  the  forest,  in  front  of 
the  gate,  twoscore  or  more  of  men  in  complete 
armour.  They  advanced  to  the  great  oaken  log 
which  had  proved  so  disastrous  to  their  comrades  the 
da;,'  b  fore.  Crossbow  bolts  now  flew  again  from  the 
wood,  but  a  wholesome  fear  of  the  arclicr  o.  the 
tower  kept  the  bowmen  from  sI)owii'.g  themselves. 
The  men  in  rumour  with  some  difficulty  lifted  the 
heavy  log  to  their  shoulders,  and  as  they  advanced 
towards  the  gate,  Surrey's  arrows  glancing  ineffect- 
ually from  their  nrotected  bodies,  a  bugle  call  rang 
out  ovei  the  valley.  Instantly  the  men  at  the  bottom 
of  the  hill  gave  a  great  cheer  and  charged  up  the 
slope,  treading  down  the  vines,  while  others  behind 
them  carried  scaling  ladders  of  a  length  suitable  for 
the  long  low  front  of  Thuron.  Those  at  the  catapults 
now  worked  like  madmen,  and  their  efforts  told 
heavily  on  the  advancing  army,  whose  movement, 
laborious  because  of  the  steepness  of  the  i«ill,  the  feet 
of  the  men  entangled  in  the  tenacious,  trailing  vines, 
was  once  or  twice  checked  in  tlie  ascent,  but  they 
always  rallied  with  a  cheer,  under  the  encouragement 
of  their  officers,  and  set  their  faces  to  the  task  before 
them  with  renewed  energy. 

The  archer  on  the  tower  desisted  from  his  fruitless 
efforts  against  the  men  in  armour,  and  now  turned  his 


m 


I  ■ 


i!  ^1 

I!  I 


264 


TEKLA. 


i' 


i  I   ': 


1 

1 

1 

i 

* 

1 

,    ;| 

1 

1     1 

■     ] 

i 

■     ; 

1 

II: 


attention  to  the  unprotected  horde  climbing  the  hill, 
and  although  every  arrow  did  execution,  the  stormers 
were  in  such  multitude  that  his  skill  haci  no  effect  in 
checking  the  advance. 

The  Black  Count  strode  from  catapult  to  catapult, 
alternately  cursing  and  encouraging  the  workers. 
Rodolph,  now  in  full  armour,  commanded  a  body  of 
men  who  stood  on  the  battlements  with  axes  on  their 
shoulders,  ready  to  spring  forward  when  ladders  were 
planted.  The  twoscore  with  their  battering  ram 
threw  down  their  bulky  burden  at  the  gate,  and 
endeavoured  to  put  it  to  its  use,  but  it  was  soon  evi- 
dent they  could  not  hold  the  position  they  had  won. 
Besides,  they  were  unaccustomed  to  the  weight  and 
awkwardness  of  armour  and  made  little  headway  with 
their  battery.  Their  heads  being  enclosed  in  iron — 
for  if  they  had  shown  an  inch  of  their  faces  the  archer 
would  certainly  not  have  turned  discouraged  from 
them — prevented  their  hearing  the  words  of  command, 
and  they  seemed  incapable  of  swinging  the  log  with 
rhythmic  motion.  Count  Bertrich,  on  his  horse,  his 
visor  up  in  spite  of  the  archer,  roared  orders  that  were 
not  obeyed,  because  unheard,  and  in  his  frenzy  the 
Count  seemed  about  to  ride  down  his  own  followers, 
while  loudly  cursing  their  clumsy  stupidity.  But  worse 
than  this  was  the  rain  of  stones  which  even  armour 
could  not  withstand.  The  Black  Count,  summoning 
his  most  stalwart  followers,  hurled  down  on  the  men 
beneath  them  the  huge  granite  spheres,  acting  for 
the  time  as  their  own  catapults.  The  machine  itself 
did  better  execution  than  it  had  accomplished  the  day 
before,  as  its  workers  had  now  learned  its  peculiarities. 
The  oak  log  gave  infrequent  feeble  blows  against  the 
strong  gate,  but  one  after  another  of  its  carriers  were 
felled  by  the  stones,  then  the  log  itself  proved  too 
heavy  for  its  thinned  supporters,  and  so  came  to  the 
ground,  whereupon  those  who  remained  turned  and 
fled  for  shelter  in  the  forest,  all  of  them  sweating 
in  the  unaccustomed  iron  cases  in  which  ♦^hey  found 
themselves :  some     falling     prone    on     the     ground 


SECOND  ASSAULT  ON  THE  CASTLE.    265 


through  heat  and   exhaustion,  not  knowing  how  to 
unloose  their  headpieces  to  get  a  breath  of  fresh  air. 

Bertrich  wasted  no  further  effort  on  them,  but 
called  his  crossbow  brigade  out  of  the  wood  to 
advance  and  harass  those  on  the  walls  while  the  scal- 
ing ladders  were  being  put  into  use.  They  came  out 
timorously  with  an  eye  on  the  tower  rather  than  on 
the  direction  of  their  bolts.  Here,  at  last,  was 
Surrey's  opportunity.  His  hatred  of  a  crossbow  man 
as  a  cumberer  of  the  earth  lent  strength  to  his  aim,  and 
his  anger  at  being  bafifled  by  '  ose  in  armour  made 
the  game  he  was  now  playing  uoubly  enjoyable.  He 
raised  a  Saxon  yell,  heard  far  and  wide  over  hill 
and  dale. 

"  Oh,  here  you  are  at  last !  "  he  cried.  "  Come  along 
with  your  ox-bows  and  hay  ricks." 

When  half-a-dozen  had  fallen  under  the  whizzing, 
almost  invisible,  shafts  that  so  quickly  succeeded  each 
other,  the  ranks  of  the  crossbow  men  wavered  and 
broke,  every  man  of  them  getting  under  cover  as 
speedily  as  he  could. 

Those  on  the  western  wall  under  Rodolph's  com- 
mand were  now  having  all  they  could  do.  The  hill 
climbers,  although  somewhat  out  of  breath  with  their 
hurried  ascent,  swarmed  in  such  numbers  at  the  foot 
of  the  walls,  that  for  a  time  their  repulse  seemed 
almost  hopeless.  Each  of  the  attacking  soldiers  car- 
ried, wound  round  his  waist,  a  rope  tied  at  one  end  to 
a  piece  of  timber  three  or  four  feet  long.  This  billet 
of  wood  they  flung  over  the  parapet,  dragging  in- 
stantly on  the  attached  rope.  Sometimes  the  billet 
came  down  on  them  again,  but  more  often  it  caught 
and  held  in  the  machicolations  of  the  parapet,  and 
then  the  soldier,  setting  his  feet  against  the  stone 
wall,  climbed  nimbly  up  the  rope,  usually  to  get 
knocked  on  the  head  with  a  battle-axe  when  he  ap- 
peared at  the  top,  but  while  many  went  thus  down 
again,  others  obtained  a  precarious  footing  and  fought 
fiercely  until  they  fell  backwards  over  the  parapet. 

Rodolph  saw  that  the  moment  three  or  four  of  the 


lilli 


266 


TEKLA. 


enemy  made  good  their  stand  at  any  one  part  of  the 
wall,  their  comrades  would  svvarm  up  at  that  point 
and  the  castle  would  be  taken,  for  the  besiegers  were 
so  numerous  they  might  speedily  overpower  the  little 
garrison.  He  gave  the  word  to  cut  the  ropes  whether 
the  ascending  man  got  foothold  or  not.  The  de- 
fenders, in  the  fury  of  the  battle,  were  paying  more 
attention  to  the  splitting  of  skulls  than  the  destroy- 
ing of  the  means  of  ascent,  often  leaving  a  rope  dan- 
gling where  another  than  its  original  owner  might 
come  up.  After  this  command  the  battle-axes  clove 
each  rope  at  its  junction  with  the  wooden  billet,  and 
so  destroyed  its  usefulness,  for  there  was  no  time  in 
the  melee  to  retie  the  cord  to  other  billets,  even  if 
other  billets  were  to  hand.  When  at  last  the  ladders 
came,  the  fight  waxed  more  fierce.  Here  Rodolph 
took  pattern  by  the  Elack  Count,  and  gave  command 
to  the  defenders  to  hold  catapult  stones  in  readiness 
and  wait  till  two  or  three  men  were  following  each 
other  up  a  ladder,  then  hurl  granite  on  the  foremost, 
who  in  his  fall  brought  down  his  comrades  with  him. 
In  each  case  when  this  was  accomplished  the  men  on 
the  walls  were  instructed  to  rush  forward,  pull  up  the 
ladder  and  throw  it  inside  the  courtyard.  In  this  way 
most  of  the  ladders  had  been  taken  before  the  attack- 
ing force  rightly  estimated  their  loss,  or  indeed  ;ioticed 
it  in  the  exciting  conflict  which  was  going  forward, 
and  with  each  capture  the  danger  to  the  castle  grew 
less.  Black  Heinrich  looked  grimly  on,  taking  little 
part  in  the  defence  now  that  the  attack  on  the  gate 
had  been  abandoned,  but  once  when,  in  spite  of  all 
efforts  of  the  defenders,  four  ladders  had  been  placed 
simultaneously  together  and  half-a-dozen  men  suc- 
ceeded in  mounting  the  battlements,  the  Count  sprang 
forward  and  grasping  one  after  another  of  the  in- 
va<J  *rs,  flung  them,  head  over  heels,  through  the  air 
in  such  quick  succession,  and  with  such  incredible 
force,  that  most  of  them  rolled  well  nigh  into  the 
village  of  Alkcn  before  they  c.iinc  to  rest  on  the  hill- 
side.    The  raiders  gradually  became  discouraged,  but 


SECOND  ASSAULT  ON  THE  CASTLE.     267 


were  buoyed  up  by  the  hope  that  other  points  of  attack 
might  be  more  favoured  by  fate  than  theirs,  else  the 
retreat  would  have  sounded  from  the  bugle.  But 
suddenly  a  riderless  horse  came  galloping  round  a 
corner  from  the  gate,  and  the  officers  recognised  the 
animal  from  its  trappings.  Like  wildfire  spread  the 
rumour,  "  Count  Bcrtrich  is  slain,"  then  all  heart  de- 
parted from  the  attack,  and  a  wild  exultant  cheeVrose 
from  those  in  the  castle.  The  retreat  down  the  hill 
became  a  panic-stricken  flight,  which  the  catapults, 
now  in  activity  again,  accelerated. 

"  Show  your  white  flag!  "  roared  Heinrich,  striding 
up  and  down  the  battlements,  intoxicated  with  his 
triumph,  and  waving  hands  above  his  head  like  a 
madman.  "Show  your  white  flag;  you  surely  were 
not  foolish  enough  to  attack  without  it." 

The  white  flag  presently  did  appear  coming  up 
from  Aiken,  and  the  request  was  made  that  they  be 
allowed  to  bear  away  their  dead  and  wounded.  Then 
at  last  the  active  engines  ceased  and  the  tired  men 
sat  on  beams  and  parapet,  drawing  sleeves  across  their 
sweating  brows. 

The  foot  of  the  walls  presented  an  appallini.  specta- 
cle. There  was  a  windrow  of  dead  and  wounded,  as  if 
the  poor  wrecked  human  beings  had  been  some  sort 
of  wingless  moths  who  had  flung  themselves  against 
these  adamant  walls,  and  had  paid  the  last  penalty  of 
their  rashness.  Parts  of  broken  ladders  lay  mingled 
with  the  slain,  together  with  the  round  lumps  of  stone 
which  had  been  their  undoing. 

"  Is  it  true  that  Count  Bertrich  has  been  slain  ?  " 
asked  Rodolph  of  Heinrich,  when  the  latter  had 
assumed  his  customary  calm. 

"  I  know  nothing  of  it.  Here  is  the  archer  who  was 
on  the  tower;  he  may  be  able  to  tell  us." 

"  Indeed,"  said  Surrey,  "I  fear  it  is  not  true,  for  I 
had  no  fair  shot  at  him.  It  was  not  my  ntention  to 
have  killed  him  so  early  in  the  game,  but  he  must 
needs  insult  me,  so  I  let  fly  at  him." 

*'  How  did  he  insult  you  ?  " 


\iii 


'  ta 


M 


f.  '. 


■;'«l 


268 


TEKLA. 


"  He  raved  at  the  cautious  crossbow  men,  telling 
them  that  if  they  did  not  come  out  from  the  wood 
they  were  cowards.  Now  it  is  not  fair  to  call  a  man  a 
coward  who  fears  my  bow,  and  that  expression  I  took 
as  an  insult.  He  is  a  wise  man  and  not  a  coward  who 
betakes  himself  to  the  wood  when  my  arrows  are 
abroad." 

"  I  can  bear  witness  to  the  truth  of  that,"  said  the 
Black  Count. 

"  I  therefore  loosed  arrow  at  his  slanderous  mouth, 
but  he  turned  his  face  just  at  the  moment,  and  al- 
though I  unhorsed  him  and  he  lay  still  enough  till 
they  dragged  him  away,  I  have  my  doubts  regarding 
his  death." 

During  all  the  rest  of  that  stirring  day  soldiers  were 
busy  carrying  their  dead  and  wounded  comrades  down 
the  steep  hill  to  the  village,  and  the  white  flag  flew 
until  darkness  blotted  it  out. 


-.■     /^i*. 


r 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

AN   ILLUMINATED  NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  THURON. 

On  the  following  morning  there  were  no  signs  of 
activity  in  the  camp,  as  the  sentries  on  the  castle  walls 
gazed  about  them  in  the  early  dawn. 

Heinrich  thought  that  after  a  defeat  so  overwhelm- 
ing the  Archbishops  would  strike  tent  and  hie  them- 
selves back  to  their  respective  cities,  there  to  resume 
the  religious  duties  which  had  been  interrupted  by 
the  martial  bugle  blast,  but  Rodolph  laboured  under 
no  such  delusion.  He  said  the  defeat  made  a  pro- 
longed siege  inevitable ;  that  the  feudal  lords  could 
not  afford  to  turn  their  backs  upon  a  vassal  who  had 
thus  repulsed  them,  or  their  prestige  in  the  land  would 
be  gone  forever.  And  it  was  soon  evident  that,  al- 
though there  was  no  activity  in  the  camp,  neither  was 
there  any  sign  of  departure.  It  was  learned  from 
those  who  came  to  make  further  search  for  the  missing, 
that  Count  Bertrich  lay  grievously  ill  of  his  wound, 
and  if  he  recovered  there  would  be  another  scar  on  his 
already  unattractive  face,  but  hope  was  held  that  he 
might  live,  as  he  was  being  tenderly  cared  for  in  his 
own  tent  next  to  that  of  the  Archbishop  of  Treves 
him.self.  Rodolph  acquainted  the  archer  with  the 
condition  of  his  high-born  foe,  and  Surrey  received 
the  news  with  subdued  dejection. 

"I  had  no  fair  chance,"  he  said,  sadly.  "A  man 
on  a  prancing  horse  is  ever  a  difficult  mark,  but  when 
he  is  encased  in  armour  with  only  his  face  showing, 
and  then  unexpectedly  turns  his  head  just  as  arrow 
leaves  string,  death,  however  merited,  can  hardly  be 
looked  for." 

The  archer  spent  most  of  his  time  on  the  tower 


if 


2/0 


TEKLA. 


i  4  ''' 


top,  industriously  making  arrows,  and  attended  as- 
siduously by  his  menial,  who  had  conceived  a  strong 
attachment  to  him,  chiefly  through  the  medium  of 
vigorous  kicks  and  blows  which  John  somewhat  lav- 
ishly bestowed,  hoping  thus,  as  he  said,  to  make  a 
man  of  him. 

**  You   may   have   another    opportunity   of   giving 

Count  Bertrich  a  taste  of  your  skill,"  said  Rodolph, 

,*'  for  I  doubt  if  the  siege  is  yet   near  its  conclusion. 

Indeed  that  we  still  hold  the  castle  is  due  most  of  all 

to  you." 

"  We  hold  the  castle  through  the  mercy  of  Prov- 
idence alone,"  said  the  archer,  gloomily,  uninfluenced 
by  his  master's  praise. 

"  Through  that  of  course,"  remarked  Rodolph, 
"  but  also  in  a  measure  through  our  own  hard  blows 
and  your  accurate  marksmanship." 

*'  I  am  saying  nothing  against  the  valour  of  the  gar- 
rison, my  Lord.  What  I  mean  is,  that  if  Providence 
had  led  my  friend  Roger  Kent  into  the  camp  of  the 
enemy,  as  I  supposed  was  probable,  there  would  have 
been  little  use  of  our  longer  holding  out,  for  he  could 
have  stood  in  Aiken  or  even  further  away  and  picked 
us  off  one  by  one  as  pleased  him.  No  man  would 
dare  show  face  above  parapet.  I  would  rather  under- 
take to  conquer  Thuron  with  Roger  Kent  alone  than 
with  all  the  army  of  the  Archbishops." 

**  Let  us  be  thankful  therefore  that  he  is  elsewhere. 
You  think  then  he  is  not  with  the  Archbishop  ?  " 

*'  He  has  probably  forgotten  all  about  my  going  to 
Treves,"  replied  the  archer,  sorrowfully.  *'  Roger  is 
an  absent-minded  man,  and  a  dreamer.  He  is  likely 
sitting  on  the  bank  of  some  stream,  poetry  making 
and  watching  the  drying  of  the  papyrus  he  fabricates, 
for  unless  hunger  overcame  him  he  would  never  think 
of  accepting  service  with  any,  or  of  drawing  bow.  It 
was  his  hope  that  some  good  peasant  would  take 
charge  of  him,  and  feed  him,  allowing  him  to  exchange 
poetry  for  what  provender  and  lodging  he  had,  but 
he  has  never  found  such,  for  he  wants  a  hut  in  a  pic- 


A  NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  THURON.       271 


turesque  spot,  by  a  lake  or  near  a  waterfall,  with  hills 
or  mountains  round  about,  where  he  may  make  papy- 
rus and  poetry." 

**  What  is  the  nature  of  this  papyrus  he  manufac- 
tures, and  what  is  its  purpose?"  asked  the  Emperor. 

"  He  says  the  Egyptians  produced  it  in  ancient 
times.  He  macerates  certain  reeds  and  grasses  to- 
gether between  two  stones,  in  flowing  water,  and 
when  he  has  compounded  a  substance  like  porridge, 
he  spreads  it  thinly  on  a  flat  stone  which  lies  in  the 
sun.  It  dries  very  white,  and  is  of  light  texture,  like 
cloth,  only  more  easily  torn,  and  will  last  you  a  long 
time  if  kept  dry,  but  in  water  it  dissolves  again.  He 
has  thus  lost  much  good  poetry,  through  lying  in 
trenches  during  heavy  rains,  the  which  causes  him  to 
dislike  campaigns  where  the  tents  are  few.  On  his 
papyrus  he  indites  with  a  sharp  stylus  his  poems,  and 
for  safe  keeping  places  the  sheets  under  his  doublet 
when  he  sleeps ;  but  he  rises,  after  a  rainy  night,  en- 
cased in  pulp,  which  he  takes  from  various  parts  of 
his  apparel  with  tender  care,  attempting  to  dry  the 
same  again  in  the  sun.  He  tells  me  that  even  when 
successful  in  drying  the  substance,  the  poetry  is  gone. 
Thus  does  he  yearn  for  a  warm  hut  of  his  own,  or  any 
one's  for  that  matter,  who  will  let  him  use  it.  But 
there  is  small  chance  of  a  peasant  taking  him  up ;  few 
of  them  care  for  poetry,  and  he  never  can  save  the 
money  he  earns  ;  he  was  always  a  fool  in  that  respect, 
differing  greatly  from  me ;  he  gives  away  his  money  to 
the  first  beggar  that  comes  with  a  pitiful  story." 

"  I  like  your  friend  Roger  from  what  you  tell  me  of 
him,  and  if  I  ever  come  near  to  him,  God  granting  he 
has  not  bow  in  hand,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  furnish  him 
the  hut  he  craves,  if  we  can  find  one  with  stream  and 
waterfall  in  conjunction." 

"  What !  and  thus  rob  Germany  of  the  finest  archer 
that  ever  bent  yew  wood  ?  Indeed,  it  is  my  hope  that 
he  shall  find  no  such  patron,  but  that  we  may  both 
take  service  under  one  commander,  fighting  side  by 
side  in  future  battles,  or  perhaps  instructing  others  in 


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272 


TEKLA. 


the  use  of  the  long  bow,  and  thus  raising  a  company 
that  will  be  of  use  in  German  warfare !  " 

As  day  by  day  passed  without  motion  in  the  camp, 
it  came  to  be  believed  in  the  castle  that  no  further  at- 
tack was  contemplated  until  Bertrich  had  so  far  re- 
covered as  to  lead  it.  He  alone  knew  the  conforma- 
tion of  the  fortress,  as  he  alone  had  been  inside  Thuron, 
so  it  was  probable  that  his  knowledge  was  regarded  by 
the  Archbishop  as  necessary  to  an  attacking  force. 

The  nights  were  now  moonless,  and  although  watch 
was  strictly  kept,  the  first  intimation  the  garrison  had 
of  renewed  hostilities  was  the  resounding  crash  of  the 
battering  ram  against  the  closed  gate.  The  Black 
Count  was  instantly  on  the  rampart  above  the  gate 
with  his  stone  heavers,  launching  out  huge  boulders 
into  the  darkness,  and  calling  in  his  stentorian  voice 
for  torches,  iwhich  seemed  slow  in  coming.  These 
lighted  brands  were  flung  down  on  the  besiegers,  to  be 
trampled  out  by  them  at  once,  while  the  stone  throw- 
ers, taking  advantage  of  the  momentary  gleams  of 
light,  thundered  down  g^ranite  on  the  heads  of  the  en- 
emy. The  gate  did  not  yield  as  speedily  as  the  as- 
saulters expected,  and  they,  not  knowing  it  was  barri- 
caded behind  by  tons  of  grain  in  sacks,  redoubled  their 
efforts  to  gain  quick  entrance,  for  they  were  unar- 
moured,  and  knew  their  existence  depended  on  a  sud- 
den forcing  of  the  portal. 

Rodolph,  leaving  the  defence  of  the  gate  entirely  to 
the  Black  Count,  summoned  his  men  to  the  long  west 
battlement,  fearing  an  attack  there  with  the  ladders, 
for  he  could  not  conceal  from  himself  the  fact  that  had 
the  day  attack  been  more  intelligently  conducted, 
with  a  concentration  of  forces  at  any  one  point  along 
the  lengthy  wall,  it  would  have  come  perilously  near 
to  success.  He  ordered  a  lavish  supply  of  unlit 
torches,  which  he  placed  in  position  along  the  outer 
edge  of  the  parapet,  for  their  only  hope  lay  in  having 
plenty  of  light  to  deal  successfully  with  an  onslaught. 
To  light  the  torches  prematurely  would  be  to  lay  the 
defenders  open  to  a  flight  of  bolts  from  crossbows, 


A  NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  THURON.       273 

were  a  brigade  of  bowmen  in  attendance,  as  was  ex- 
tremely probable. 

Shortly  after  the  first  sounds  of  battering  at  the  gate 
aroused  the  citadel,  the  attack  on  the  west  front  be- 
gan. The  besiegers  apparently  had  not  come  up  the 
hill  as  before,  but  swarmed  round  the  corner  of  the 
castle  from  the  level  ground  opposite  the  entrance, 
and  at  first  Rodolph  thought  the  assault  on  the  gate 
had  been  abandoned  and  the  attacking  party  had 
come  to  try  their  fortunes  against  the  comparatively 
low  wall,  which  it  was  his  duty  to  protect,  but  the 
blows  of  oak  on  oak  still  resounded,  and  now  he  saw 
he  was  face  to  face  with  a  general  attack  similar  to 
the  one  they  had  formerly  repulsed  in  daylight,  the 
enemy  doubtless  hoping  to  profit  by  the  darkness,  and 
perhaps  thinking  to  take  the  garrison  by  surprise. 

In  spite  of  his  eagerness  and  anxiety,  the  Emperor 
could  not  help  pausing  for  a  moment  to  note  the  un- 
expected transformation  which  took  place  in  the  valley 
and  on  all  the  hillsides  round  about.  As  soon  as  the 
cheers  from  Thuron  gave  evidence  that  the  attack  was 
known  and  had  been  met,  a  line  of  fire  seemed  to  en- 
circle the  castle  far  below  and  up  the  hills.  Thousands 
of  torches  were  lit,  and  the  cheers  of  their  holders  caused 
Rodolph  to  expect  an  instant  onslaught  by  the  entire 
.strength  of  the  Archbishops.  This,  however,  was  not 
the  intention,  for  those  bearing  the  torches  marched 
and  counter-marched  in  apparently  aimless  fashion, 
weaving  a  thousand  threads  of  fire  into  a  glowing  web 
that  dazzled  the  eyes  of  the  onlookers,  while  cheer 
after  cheer  rent  the  air,  as  if  to  encourage  the  actual 
besiegers. 

The  amazing  illumination  had  at  first  the  effect  in- 
tended. It  bewildered  those  who  had  to  face  it, 
while  the  assailants,  with  their  backs  to  the  scintillat- 
ing brilliancy,  were  helped  rather  than  disturbed  by 
the  universal  glow,  which  faintly  illumined  the  grey 
walls  before  them.  Rodolph  had  his  torches  lighted 
as  rapidly  as  possible,  for  he  knew  that  light  was  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  a  successful  defence,  and  the  long 


274 


TEKLA. 


II 1 


train  of  flaming,  smoking  torches,  which  were  here 
and  there  beaten  down  by  the  ends  of  ladders,  sug- 
gested an  expedient  to  him.  He  had  ample  help,  for 
the  whole  force  of  the  castle  was  now  aroused,  so  he 
ordered  up  his  reserves  to  carry  wood  and  build  two 
bonfires,  one  at  each  end  of  the  stone  terrace.  With 
these  roaring  to  the  sky,  the  two  great  towers  of 
Thuron  stood  out  in  crimson  relief,  seeming  to  hang 
in  the  air,  resting  ou  nothing,  for  their  bases  were  hid 
in  the  darkness  below.  Before  the  fires  blazed  out, 
however,  several  of  the  enemy  had  obtained  footing 
on  the  terrace,  and  fierce  hand  to  hand  fights  were 
going  on,  the  climbers  for  the  most  part  getting  the 
worst  of  it,  for  even  when  a  man  secures  his  footing  on 
solid  stone  instead  of  ladder-round,  he  is  scarcely  on 
equality  with  his  foe  who  has  had  to  expend  no  ex- 
ertion, merely  waiting  there  until  a  head  appears. 

When  the  two  fires  shot  up  to  the  sky  the  desultory 
cheering  in  the  valley  gave  place  to  one  mighty  sim- 
ultaneous shout  of  triumph,  while  torches  were  en- 
thusiastically flung  in  the  air.  They  were  quite 
palpably  under  the  delusion  that  the  castle  had  been 
carried  and  was  already  burning.  The  fierce  yell 
which  came  from  Thuron  was  an  answer  they  had  not 
expected,  and  now,  as  being  of  no  further  use,  the 
torches  below  were  extinguished  as  rapidly  as  they 
had  been  lighted.  The  great  castle  was  self-illumined 
and  must  have  presented  a  spectacle  well  worth  view- 
ing from  the  plain  below,  as  it  stood  out  against  the 
dark  sky  like  a  glowing  fortress  of  molten  stone. 
With  the  sudden  access  of  light,  the  attack  on  the 
gate  had  proved  no  more  practicable  than  on  the  two 
previous  occasions.  The  archer  on  the  tower  again 
cut  down  the  unprotected  men,  and  again  the  attack- 
ing party  fled  panic  stricken  to  the  forest  or  round  to 
the  west  front,  where  matters  were  going  little  better 
for  their  comrades. 

The  besiegers,  with  a  lively  remembrance  of  their 
former  repulse  along  the  same  wall,  became  disheart- 
ened when  they  found  themselves  fighting  in  a  light 


A  NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  THURON.       275 

as  strong  as  that  of  day.  They  knew  if  they  did  not 
scale  the  walls  before  the  garrison  became  fully  alive 
to  what  was  taking  place,  they  would  have  no  further 
chance  after  they  were  discovered.  Again  they  saw 
their  ladders  pulled  up  when  those  who  climbed  them 
had  been  crushed  by  stones,  shattered  with  battle-axe, 
or  flung  backwards  by  a  lighted  torch  being  thrust  in 
their  faces,  and  now  they  saw  the  ladders  thrown  on 
the  fires  to  blaze  up  and  illumine  their  discomfiture. 

Yet  the  fight  while  it  lasted  had  been  fiercer  than 
during  the  previous  attack,  and  three  of  Count  Hein- 
rich's  men  had  been  slain. 

In  spite  of  the  victory,  which  wrought  up  the  Black 
Count  to  a  pitch  of  frenzy,  during  which  he  paraded 
the  long  terrace  between  the  two  fires,  shaking  a 
battle-axe  above  his  head,  and  roaring  defiance  to  the 
enemy,  Rodolph  saw  that  if  these  attacks  were  con- 
tinued the  castle  must  inevitably  fall,  for  the  Arch- 
bishops had  more  than  a  hundred  men  to  Heinrich's 
one,  and  the  loss  of  two  or  three  of  the  garrison  on 
each  occasion  would  soon  leave  the  castle  without  de- 
fenders. For  the  greater  part  of  the  night  the  Em- 
peror paced  the  walls,  keeping  watch  with  the  regular 
guard.  The  fires  burned  out,  and  as  dawn  approached 
he  still  walked  up  and  down  with  his  cloak  drawn 
round  him,  pondering  on  the  extraordinary  situation, 
and  wondering  how  it  would  end.  He  felt  that  he 
was  the  Emperor  in  name  only,  as  indeed  many  of  his 
predecessors  had  been  without  complaining,  so  long 
as  they  had  money  to  spend  and  good  wine  to  drink. 
Here  was  war  of  the  most  sanguinary  nature  raging 
in  the  centre  of  his  dominion,  his  subjects  not  arrayed 
against  a  foreign  foe,  but  mercilessly  slaughtering  each 
other,  and  if  the  Emperor  cried  "  Stop,"  not  even  the 
most  humble  of  the  men-at-arms  would  hee<^  the  com- 
mand. How  to  remedy  this  amazing  state  of  affairs 
he  had  not  the  least  idea.  If  he  proclaimed  himself 
to  Heinrich  that  noble  would,  as  like  as  not,  clap  him 
into  the  deepest  dungeon  of  Castle  Thuron,  and  look 
about  to  see  what  profit  might  be  made  of  his  notable 


l-J^ 


TEKLA. 


prisoner.  Should  he  approach  the  Archbishops,  a 
similar  fate  would  probably  await  him.  He  would 
have  given  much  for  an  hour's  conversation  with 
Baron  von  Brunfels,  or  even  for  the  opportunity  of 
letting  his  friend  know  where  he  was,  but  either 
chance  was  alike  impossible,  girt  round  as  he  was  by 
hostile  troops.  The  hill  tops  were  lightening  with 
coming  dawn  when  Rodolph  sought  his  room  in  the 
south  tower,  and  lay  down  wrapped  in  his  cloak  to  a 
troubled  rest,  his  great  problem  still  unsolved  by  his 
night's  vigil. 


Y* 


!•/ 


;         V  CHAPTER  XXVII.     ^   tn 

:,;rV        THE  TWO  years'  siege  begins. 

What  the  Emperor  feared  the  Archbishops  would 
do,  and  what  would  have  been  the  proper  thing  to  do 
from  a  military  standpoint,  was  what  the  warlike  pre- 
lates did  not  do.  Both  were  appalled  at  the  loss  of 
life  which  had  accompanied  their  efforts  to  capture 
Thuron.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  a  man  whose 
ambition  it  was  to  link  his  name  with  the  building  of 
the  greatest  cathedral  the  world  had  yet  seen,  relished 
the  outlook  which  promised  instead  to  give  him  the 
reputation  of  a  Hannibal  or  an  Alexander,  and  that, 
too,  without  the  compensating  fame  of  a  great  con- 
queror, for  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne  saw  that  even 
if  the  castle  were  captured,  the  feat  would  add  few 
laurels  to  the  brow  of  a  commander  at  the  head  of  a 
comparatively  overwhelming  force.  He  felt  he  had 
been  tricked  by  his  smooth-spoken  colleague,  who  had 
persuaded  him  that  the  mere  appearance  of  this  im- 
posing body  of  men  before  the  walls  of  Thuron  would 
in  a  manner  cause  them  to  imitate  the  walls  of  Jericho. 
In  this  suspicion,  however,  he  wronged  his  brother  of 
Treves,  who  had  not  intentionally  misled  him,  but  had 
actually  hoped  to  prevent  bloodshed  by  employing  a 
force  so  palpably  irresistible  that  Heinrich  would  at 
once  come  to  terms.  Arnold  von  Isenberg  had  no 
particular  objection  to  the  shedding  of  blood,  and  had 
before  now  held  down  his  enemies  with  a  strong  hand, 
but  results  in  this  instance  had  been  out  of  all  propor- 
tion to  their  cost.  He  had  been  led,  more  than  he 
himself  cared  to  admit,  by  the  impetuosity  of  his 
fiery  follower,  Count  Bertrich,  who  now  lay  raving 
with  the  fever  resulting  from  his  wound,    As  Arnold 


2/8 


TEKLA. 


advanced  in  years  he  was  more  prone  to  depend  on 
diplomacy  for  his  victories  than  on  actual  force,  but 
he  liked  to  have  the  force  in  the  background  even  if 
he  did  not  care  to  use  it. 

There  was  a  stormy  scene  between  the  two  digni- 
taries on  the  morning  after  the  failure  of  the  night 
attack.  The  dormant  suspicions  of  von  Hochstaden 
were  again  roused.  The  assurance  that  the  siege 
would  be  a  bloodless  one  had  been  so  quickly  belied, 
that  he  now  saw  in  Bertrich's  first  impetuous  attack 
a  determination  to  drag  the  forces  of  Cologne  into  a 
struggle  which  Treves  shrank  from  meeting  alone, 
and  now  the  apparently  frank  answers  of  the  culprit, 
which  at  the  time  had  satisfied  him,  seemed  but  the 
deeper  villainy,  as  having  been  probably  rehearsed 
beforehand.  Thus  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne  saw 
himself  the^easy  dupe  of  his  crafty  co-elector,  from 
whose  latent  methods  he  had  more  than  once  suf- 
fered, and  whose  cunning  he  had  always  feared. 

*'You  have  deceived  me,"  he  cried  angrily,  when 
they  were  in  the  conference  tent  alone  together,  sav- 
ing only  the  presence  of  their  two  secretaries. 

*•  I  do  not  like  your  word  '  deceived,'  "  replied  von 
Isenberg,  who  remained  as  calm  as  the  other  was 
agitated,  "  unless  you  apply  it  to  me  as  well.  I  have 
deceived  you,  perhaps,  but  I  was  myself  deceived.  If 
you  accuse  me  of  miscalculation,  I  am  willing  to 
admit  the  truth  of  the  charge." 

"  You  knew  the  character  of  this  man  Heinrich  ;  I 
did  not.  You  said  we  had  but  to  sit  down  before  the 
castle,  and  it  was  ours.     That  was  not  true." 

"  I  have  already  admitted  that  I  was  mistaken,"  said 
Arnold,  quietly. 

"You  can  do  nothing  but  admit  it,"  cried  von 
Hochstaden,  hotly ;  "  the  facts  disclaim  all  denial. 
What  I  hold  is  that  you  knew  this  before  we  came, 
and  have  drawn  me  into  a  quarrel  which  is  none  of 
mine;  that  you  have  forced  on  the  fighting  so  that 
we  are  now  apparently  committed  to  a  course  of  which 
I  entirely  disapprove." 


THE  TWO  YEARS'  SIEGE  BEGINS.     279 

"  I  assure  you  I  did  not  expect  to  be  compelled  to 
fight." 

"  That  I  do  not  believe."  - 

"  My  Lord,  you  are  too  angry  now  to  discuss  this 
question  as  it  should  be  discussed.  You  are  over- 
wrought, and  naturally,  at  the  loss  of  so  many  of  your 
men." 

"  I  would  not  give  the  life  of  one  Rhine  man  for  all 
the  castles  on  the  Moselle!"  exclaimed  von  Hoch- 
staden,  impetuously. 

"  I  was  about  to  add  that  I,  too,  am  deeply  grieved 
that  your  men  have  fallen,  and  also  that  so  many  of 
my  own  have  been  killed.  I  think  it  right  then  that 
we  postpone  further  discussion  until  we  can  approach 
this  grave  situation  with  minds  free  from  the  emo- 
tions which  now  make  reasoning  difficult.  Are  you 
willing  that  we  leave  decision  until  to-morrow  ?  " 

"  With  all  my  heart.  Our  talk  cannot  bring  back 
to  life  the  meanest  of  our  following.  To-morrow  you 
will  be  unembarrassed  by  any  suggestions  from  me." 

"  Why,  my  Lord  ?  " 

"  Because  the  moment  I  leave  this  tent  I  shall  give 
orders  to  my  captains  to  gather  my  men,  when  we 
shall  together  journey  to  Cologne." 

"  Do  you  hold  such  determination  to  be  fair  to 
me?" 

"  Have  you  been  fair  to  me  ?  You  have  deceived 
me  from  the  first." 

"  Twice  you  have  said  that,  my  Lord,  and  for  the 
second  time  I  give  you  my  earnest  assurance  that 
such  is  not  the  case.  I  counsel  you  as  a  friend  not  to 
make  the  charge  the  third  time." 

"  Do  you  threaten  me  ?  " 

"  Have  you  not  threatened  me  with  your  desertion  ? 
If  you  say  you  do  not  intend  to  withdraw,  then  we  will 
lay  plans  together  at  a  future  time." 

"I  am  determined  to  return  to  Cologne." 

"  To  begin  your  cathedral  ?  " 

"  'Tis  of  more  avail  than  dashing  out  the  brains  of 
my  soldiers  against  a  Moselle  rock." 


28o 


TEKLA. 


'  "  Let  me  give  you  good  advice  in  the  rearing  of  it. 
Build  your  cathedral  like  a  fortress.  You  will  need 
a  stronghold  presently  in  Cologne,  whether  you  need 
a  church  or  not." 

"  From  threatening  my  person  you  threaten  my 
city." 

"  Frankly,  I  do,"  replied  the  Archbishop  of  Treves, 


without 


raismg 


his  voice.     "  You  have  hitherto  been 


m  some  measure  the  ally  of  Mayence.  I  cannot  re- 
member the  time  when  I  feared  you  combined,  but  it 
suited  me  to  separate  you.  I  have  done  so.  I  learn 
that  our  brother  of  Mayence  is  both  enraged  and 
trembling.  If  you  leave  Thuron  I  shall  instantly  pro- 
pose alliance  with  him,  who  now  thoroughly  distrusts 
you,  and  he  will  gladly  join  me,  for  I  have  never  pre- 
tended to  be  his  friend,  and  he  has  ever  feared  me  as 
an  enemyi     Why  did  I  propose  alliance  with  you  ?  " 

"  For  your  own  purposes,  as  I  now  know  too  well." 

"  Surely.  But  what  suggested  the  thought  that 
such  an  alliance  might  be  accepted  by  you  ?  You 
cannot  guess?  Well,  I  will  inform  you.  Because 
your  ally  of  Mayence  sent  secret  emissaries  to  me  pro- 
posing an  alliance  with  him.  I  saw  there  were  differ- 
ences between  you,  and  instantly  resolved  to  make  an 
ally  of  the  stronger.  Therefore  my  envoys  went  to 
you,  while  his  were  dealing  with  me  in  Treves.  When 
my  men  returned  with  your  consent  I  told  the  envoys 
from  Mayence,  with  much  regret,  you  had  made  the 
first  proposal  to  me,  and  that  although  I  had  sent  to 
you  begging  to  be  released  from  our  compact,  you 
had  refused." 

"  Which  was  a  lie." 

"  Say  rather  a  whole  series  of  them,  my  Lord,  or 
call  it  diplomacy  if  you  wish  to  speak  politely ;  but 
meanwhile  do  not  neglect  my  advice  to  build  your 
cathedral  in  the  form  of  a  fortress,  and  make  it  a 
strong  one." 

"  How  can  you  except  me  to  trust  you  after  such  a 
cynical  confession  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  expect  you  to  trust  me.     I  have  dealt 


THE  TWO  YEARS'  SIEGE  BEGINS.    281 

with  strict  honesty  towards  you  from  the  moment  we 
joined  together,  yet  you  have  displayed  distrust  since 
the  first  day.  I  do  not  in  the  least  object  to  that. 
But  as  I  cannot  have  the  advantage  of  confidence  I 
shall  turn  to  the  advantage  of  perfect  frankness.  I 
shall  keep  to  the  letter  the  bargain  I  have  made  with 
you.  You  shall  keep  to  the  letter  the  bargain  you 
have  made  with  me." 

"You  mean,  then,  to  attempt  to  stop  my  with- 
drawal ?  " 

"  No.  You  may  withdraw  to-morrow  if  you  wish 
to  do  so,  and  my  men  will  form  line  and  salute  you  as 
you  pass.  Then  I  shall  divide  my  forces  into  groups 
and  attack  Thuron  night  and  day  until  there  is  not  a 
man  left  to  defend  it.  That  will  not  take  many  days, 
and  it  will  give  time  for  my  brother  of  Mayence  to 
meet  my  victorious  army  at  the  junction  of  the  Rhine 
and  the  Moselle,  when  we  will  journey  amicably  to- 
gether to  make  some  inquiries  regarding  the  progress 
of  your  cathedral  at  Cologne." 

Konrad  von  Hochstaden  walked  the  length  of  the 
tent  several  times  with  knit  brows,  turning  in  his 
mind  the  problem  that  confronted  him.  Arnold  sat 
on  the  bench  beside  the  long  table  which  diviusd 
them,  his  face  impassive  and  inscrutable.  Never 
during  their  colloquy  had  he  raised  his  voice  to  a 
higher  key  than  was  necessary  to  make  it  distinctly 
heard.  The  two  monks  sat  apart,  downcast  and 
silent,  helpless  spectators  of  a  quarrel  which  might 
have  the  most  momentous  consequences. 

At  last  von  Hochstaden  stopped  in  his  walk,  and 
stood  regarding  his  ally  with  bewildered  indecision 
stamped  on  his  countenance.  He  had  spoken  here- 
tofore in  tones  alternately  tremulous  with  deep  emo- 
tion and  quavering  with  the  anger  he  had  tried  in 
vain  to  suppress. 

"  I  cannot  stand  here,"  he  said,  "  and  see  my  men 
uselessly  slaughtered." 

"  With  your  humanity  I  am  in  complete  sympathy. 
It  is  no  pleasure  to  me  to  have  soldiers  killed,  although 


w 


282 


TEKLA. 


sometimes  the  killing  is  necessary.  Were  I  alone  I 
would,  as  I  have  said,  throw  force  after  force  against 
Castle  Thuron  until  it  succumbed,  but  I  am  acting 
with  you  and  eager  to  come  to  an  understanding  that 
will  be  satisfactory  to  you  ;  but  you  have  made  no 
proposal,  only  a  threat  of  withdrawal.  Now  if  it  is 
your  wish  to  take  the  castle  without  risking  the  life 
of  another  of  your  followers,  I  stand  ready  to  make 
such  arrangement." 

"  Can  such  arrangement  be  made  ?  "  ' 

"  Without  doubt.  We  have  come  so  suddenly  on 
Count  Heinrich  that  he  has  had  no  opportunity  of 
provisioning  his  stronghold.  The  peasants  tell  my 
men  that  he  has  taken  in  nothing  that  will  enable 
him  to  withstand  a  prolonged  siege.  We  can  there- 
fore environ  him  so  closely  that  in  a  comparatively 
short  timd  hunger  will  compel  him  to  sue  for  terms. 
This  may  consume  days,  but  not  the  lives  of  men.  I 
stand  ready  to  agree  to  such  a  proposal  willingly ;  in 
truth  I  will  agree  to  anything  you  suggest,  short  of 
your  own  desertion,  or  of  requiring  me  to  retire  de- 
feated before  the  Black  Man  of  Thuron." 
"  How  long,  think  you,  will  the  siege  last?  " 
"  There  is  the  castle ;  there  are  our  men.  You 
can  answer  your  question  as  well  as  I.  How  many 
men  has  Heinrich  within  his  fortress?  I  do  not  know. 
What  I  do  know  is,  that  if  no  more  grain  enters  the 
castle,  the  supply  therein  will,  in  time,  be  con- 
sumed, and  then  grim  famine  allies  itself  with  the  two 
Archbishops — a  foe  that  cannot  be  fought  with  bow  or 
battle-axe.  If  we  resolve  to  starve  him  out,  then  I 
shall  proclaim  to  my  men  that  I  will  hang  any  who 
shortens  the  life  of  one  of  his.  There  will  thus  be  no 
more  bloodshed,  for  he  dare  not  sally  forth  to  attack 
us,  and  we  will  keep  bow-shot  distance  from  him. 
The  conditions  of  the  game  are  all  before  us ;  you 
can  form  a  conclusion  as  well  as  I,  and  if  you  prove  in 
the  wrong,  I  shall  not  accuse  you  of  cozening  me." 

The  Archbishop   of   Cologne   stood   with   clouded 
brow,  arms  folded   across  his   breast,  ruminating  on 


THE  TWO  YEARS'  SIEGE  BEGINS.     283 

what  4iad  been  said  by  the  other,  who  watched  him 
keenly  from  under  his  shaggy  eyebrows.  At  last  von 
Hochstaden  spoke,  with  the  sigh  of  a  man  out-gener- 
alled. 

"  I  do  not  wish  to  spend  the  remainder  of  my  days 
sitting  before  Thuron." 

"  Nor  do  I.  The  plan  of  starving  them  out  is  yours, 
not  mine.  At  least  it  is  my  proposal  as  an  alternative 
that  may  please  you.  With  your  co-operation,  I 
would  fling  force  after  force  against  Thuron,  and  so 
reduce  it." 

"  No,  no ! "  cried  the  Lord  of  Cologne,  "  no  more 
bloodshed.     We  have  had  enough  of  that." 

"  Very  well ;  therefore  I  modify  my  desires  tc  r.ieet 
yours.  You  may  withdraw  as  many  of  your  men  as 
are  not  necessary,  retire  yourself  to  Cologne,  and  Fet 
them,  with  suitable  prayers,  to  the  building  of  your 
cathedral.  I  will  send  an  equal  number  of  mine  to 
Treves,  and  with  what  remains  of  our  united  forces  we 
will  surround  that  thieving  scoundrel  with  an  impreg- 
nable band  of  iron.  All  that  I  insist  on  is  that  the 
flags  of  Cologne  and  Treves  continue  to  fly  together 
on  this  tent,  and  that  we  encircle  the  castle  with  our  al- 
lied troops." 

"  Have  it  as  you  wish,"  cried  Konrad,  sorrowfully. 
"  I  defer  to  your  opinion." 

"  Not  so,  my  Lord,"  said  von  Isenberg.  "  It  is  I 
who  give  way  to  you.  But  from  this  moment  the 
plan  is  mine  as  well  as  yours,  and  I  shall  loyally  ad- 
here to  our  agreement,  come  good  or  ill  out  of  it." 

Thus  began  the  celebrated  investure  of  Thuron 
Castle,  which  lasted  two  years,  until  famine  did  indeed 
spread  its  black  wings  over  the  fortress,  while  during 
that  time,  historians  tell  us,  the  besiegers  merrily 
drank  one  thousand  gallons  of  good  Moselle  wine  each 
day. 


v^.; 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


THE   SECOND  ARCHER   ANNOUNCES   HIMSELF. 

The  first  problem  which  the  Archbishops  set  them- 
selves to  solve  was  the  estimating  of  the  exact  number 
of  men  required  to  surround  the  castle  effectually,  and 
keep  watch  night  and  day,  with  proper  reliefs.  The 
cordon  was  drawn  closer  round  the  castle.  The  axe- 
men hewed  an  avenue  through  the  forest  in  straight 
lines,  so  that  no  point  should  be  out  of  sight  of  two  or 
more  meA  who  constantly  paraded  these  woodland 
lanes.  The  village  itself  was  completely  cut  off  from 
Thuron,  and  the  living  line  extended  between  the  castle 
and  the  brook  Thaurand,  so  as  to  make  the  getting  of 
water  impossible,  the  besiegers  not  knowing  the  castle 
itself  possessed  an  inexhaustible  well,  and  that  all  within 
were  thus  free  from  the  dreadful  danger  of  thirst.  A 
group  of  tents  was  placed  at  the  river  end  of  the  stoned- 
in  passage  that  descended  from  the  castle  to  the  Moselle. 
The  besieging  line  of  men  ran  up  the  deep  valley  of 
the  Thaurand,  and  so  across  the  steep  hill  through  the 
forest,  and  down  again  into  the  valley  of  the  river, 
where  the  links  of  the  living  chain  joined  the  line  that 
extended  south  from  the  village.  The  guards  were 
a  few  yards  apart,  and  the  orders  concerning  their  watch 
were  as  strict  as  skilled  officers  could  make  them,  for 
the  Archbishop  of  Treves  had  commanded  that  a  net 
with  meshes  so  minute  that  not  the  smallest  fish  could 
penetrate,  should  be  drawn  round  the  doomed  castle, 
and  each  officer  knew  that  neglect  would  be  punished 
with  ruthless  severity.  The  tents  instead  of  being 
grouped  together  were  placed  along  the  outside  of  this 
line,  so  that  no  guardsman  need  have  far  to  travel  to 
his  rest,  nor  any  excuse  to  loiter  in  coming  to  his 


THE  SECOND  ARCHER. 


m 


watch.  A  circle  of  fires  surrounded  the  castle  at  night, 
serving  the  double  purpose  of  giving  light  for  seeing 
and  heat  for  cooking. 

Those  in  the  castle  witnessed  the  tightening  of  the 
line  around  them,  and  at  first  thought  a  new  attack 
was  meditated,  but  as  time  went  on  and  no  attack  was 
delivered,  the  true  state  of  affairs  began  to  dawn  upon 
them.  The  Emperor  was  amazed  to  find  so  little  mili- 
tary skill  or  pluck  in  the  opposition  camp,  but  he 
welcomed  the  change  from  activity  to  quiescence. 
He  supposed  the  Archbishops  must  know  how  well 
provisioned  the  castle  was,  for  it  had  been  filled  in  the 
eye  of  all  the  country,  and  he  had  heard  Heinrich's 
order  to  the  peasantry  to  save  themselves  by  giving 
any  information  they  chose  to  the  invaders ;  he  was 
also  cognizant  of  the  fact  that  the  Black  Count  had 
ruled  his  district  with  a  hand  by  no  means  of  the  gent- 
lest, so  it  never  occurred  to  him  that  the  besiegers  had 
got  little  news  from  the  people. 

The  archer,  perhaps,  would  have  rested  more  con- 
tented had  he  been  permitted  to  try  his  skill  at  long 
distance  bowmanship  on  the  environing  soldiery,  but 
the  Emperor  thought  it  best  to  let  sleeping  dogs  lie, 
and  bestowed  positive  instructions  upon  John  Surrey 
to  wing  no  shaft  unless  he  saw  a  determined  advance 
on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  The  archer  was  most 
anxious  to  show  how  much  superior  his  light  instru- 
ment was  to  the  cumbrous  catapult,  which  admittedly 
could  not  carry  so  far  as  the  ring  around  the  castle, 
and  he  pleaded  with  Rodolph  to  be  allowed  to  dis- 
patch, say,  half  a  dozen  shafts  a  day,  by  way  of  pre- 
venting the  coming  of  weariness  upon  the  opposing 
camp.  Nothing,  he  held,  was  so  demoralising  to  an 
army  as  a  feeling  of  absolute  security ;  and  if  there 
was  to  be  no  sallying  out  against  the  Archbishops, 
those  within  the  castle  owed  it  to  the  foe,  if  only 
from  the  dictate^  of  common  humanity,  to  allow  a 
few  arrows  to  descend  from  tower  to  tent  each  day. 
Rodolph,  however,  was  proof  against  all  arguments 
the  archer  could  bring  to  bear  upon  him,  and  John 


ir 


286 


TEKLA. 


frequently  sighed,  and  even  murmured  to  himself  a 
wish  ti.at  he  had  taken  service  with  the  irascible 
Heinrich  rather  than  with  so  peaceably  minded  a  man 
as  Rodolph. 

He  consoled  himself  by  sitting  in  the  sun  on  the 
top  of  the  southern  tower,  with  his  back  against  the 
parapet,  busily  employed  in  the  making  of  arrows, 
the  huge  pile  beside  him  bearing  witness  to  his  tire- 
less industry,  while  many  more  were  stored  in  his 
room  below,  and  to  the  safe  custody  of  this  apartment 
he  took  down  his  day's  manufacture  each  evening, 
where  they  might  become  seasoned,  free  from  the 
dampness  of  the  outside  night  air.  In  his  occupation 
he  was  obsequiously  waited  upon  by  his  German  de- 
pendent, who  in  despite  of  the  archer's  rough  treatment 
of  him,  looked  up  to  his  master  with  slavish  admira- 
tion. Usually  Conrad,  now  rapidly  recovering  from 
his  wounds,  lay  at  full  length  on  the  warm  roof,  say- 
ing little  but  thinking  much  of  the  absent  Hilda. 

The  archer  disdained  all  armour  with  the  exception 
of  a  steel  cap,  which  he  wore  to  ward  off  battle-axe 
strokes,  should  he  come  into  close  quarters  with  the 
wielders  of  that  formidable  weapon,  and  this  helmet 
he  kept  brightly  polished  till  it  shone  like  silver.  It 
was  somewhat  hot  to  wear  in  mid-summer,  but  the 
head  was  defended  from  the  warmth  of  the  sun's  rays 
by  a  lining  of  cloth  which  also  made  the  cap  more 
comfortable,  because  more  soft,  in  the  wearing.  The 
archer  sat  thus  with  his  pile  of  arrows  by  his  side  and 
the  material  for  their  making  in  front  of  him,  while 
his  slave  crouched  near,  ready  to  anticipate  his  wants 
by  promptly  handing  to  him  knife  or  scraping  flint,  or 
length  of  wood,  or  feather,  as  the  case  might  require. 
Surrey's  steel  cap  projected  above  the  parapet  and 
glistened  like  a  mirror  in  the  sun.  He  was  droning  to 
himself  a  Saxon  song,  and  was  as  well  contented  with 
the  world  as  a  warrior  may  be  who  is  not  allowed,  at 
the  moment,  to  scatter  wounds  and  death  among  his 
fellow  creatures. 

Suddenly   he  was  startled  by  a  blow  on   his  steel 


THE  SECOND  ARCHER. 


287 


helmet,  which  for  an  instant  caused  him  to  think  some 
one  had  struck  him  sharply,  forgetting  that  his  posi- 
tion made  such  an  act  impossible,  but  this  thought 
had  barely  time  to  flash  through  his  mind  when  he 
saw  an  arrow  quivering  against  the  flag  pole  in  front 
of  him.  He  looked  at  it  for  a  moment  with  dropped 
jaw  like  a  man  dazed,  then  as  Conrad  and  the  other 
made  motion  to  rise  he  cried  gruffly : 

"  Lie  down  ! "  as  though  he  spoke  to  a  pair  of  dogs. 
The  two,  however,  promptly  obeyed. 

"  There  seems  to  be  an  expert  archer  in  the  camp 
as  well  as  in  the  castle,"  said  Conrad.  John  Surrey 
sat  without  moving  and  without  replying,  gazing  on 
the  arrow  which  had  come  to  rest  in  the  flag  pole.  At 
last  he  said  to  his  dependent: 

"  Gottlieb,  rise  cautiously  and  peer  over  the  battle- 
ments, taking  care  to  show  as  little  of  your  head  as 
possible,  and  tell  me  if  you  see  any  one  in  the  camp 
who  looks  as  if  he  had  sped  a  shaft." 

"  I  see  a  tall  man,"  began  Gottlieb. 

"  Yes !  "  cried  the  archer. 

"  Who  stands  with  his  hand  shading  his  eyes,  look- 
ing up  at  this  tower." 

"Yes,  yes." 

"  In  the  fist  by  his  side  I  think  he  holds  a  bow 
like  yours ;  but  the  distance  is  too  great  for  me  to 
make  sure  what  it  is." 

"  He  has  no  cross-bow  at  least." 

"  No,  it  is  not  a  cross-bow." 

"  I  thought  so.  No  cross-bow  could  have  sent  shaft 
like  that.  I  doubt  also  if  archer  living,  save  Roger 
Kent,  could  have " 

**  He  seems  to  be  placing  another  arrow  on  the 
string." 

"Then  down,  down  with  you.  If  he  has  caught 
sight  of  your  head  you  are  doomed." 

An  instant  later  another  arrow  struck  the  helmet, 
glanced  over  the  tower,  and  disappeared  in  the  forest 
beyond. 

"  Now   come   and   sit    beside   me,   Gottlieb,"   said 


<  1 

li- 
ii' 


288 


TEKLA. 


Surrey,  as  he  lifted  the  helmet  gently  and  moved 
away  his  head  from  beneath  it,  not  shifting  the  cap 
except  slightly  upwards  from  its  position.^  "Get 
under  this,  and  sit  steadily  so  that  the  target  may  not 
be  displaced." 

Having  thus  crowned  his  dependent,  Surrey  crawled 
to  his  bow  and  selected  a  well-finished  arrow. 

"  You  are  surely  not  going  to  use  your  weapon," 
said  Conrad.     "  The  Lord  Rodolph  has  forbidden  it." 

"  He  has  forbidden  it  unless  I  am  attacked,  and 
there  is  the  arrow  in  the  pole  to  prove  attack.  Be- 
sides, I  shoot  not  to  kill." 

With  much  care  Surrey,  exposing  himself  as  little 
as  might  be,  drew  bow  and  let  fly.  The  tall  archer 
was  seen  to  spring  aside,  then  pause  regardless  of  his 
danger,  stoop  and  pick  up  something  which  lay  at  his 
feet,  examining  the  object  minutely.  Surrey  also,  un- 
thinking of  danger,  stood  up  and  watched  the  other, 
who,  when  his  examination  had  been  concluded  to 
his  satisfaction,  dropped  the  arrow,  which  was  un- 
doubtedly what  he  had  picked  up,  although  the  dis- 
tance was  too  great  for  the  archer  to  be  sure  of  that, 
and,  doffing  his  cap,  waved  it  wildly  in  the  air. 
Surrey  himself  gave  utterance  to  a  shout  that  might 
have  aroused  even  the  Archbishops  on  the  height,  and 
danced  round  like  one  gone  mad,  throwing  his  arms 
about  as  if  he  were  an  animated  windmill. 

**  It  is  Roger !     It  is  Roger  !  "  he  cried. 

The  Emperor,  hearing  the  tumult,  came  hurriedly 
up  the  stairs,  expecting  that  an  assault  was  in  prepara- 
tion, and,  although  relieved  to  find  that  no  onslaught 
was  intended,  seemed  to  think  the  archer's  ecstacy 
more  vociferous  than  the  occasion  demanded.  John 
pointed  excitedly  at  his  far-off  friend,  and  said  he 
wished  permission  to  visit  him  at  once,  to  learn  what 
had  befallen  him  since  last  they  met. 
'  "  That  is  impossible,"  replied  Rodolph.  "  You 
would  be  taken  prisoner,  and  I  have  no  wish  to  lose 
so  good  an  archer  merely  because  the  opposition 
camp  has,  according  to  your  account,  a  better  one.'*    > 


THE  SECOND  ARCHER. 


289 


This  obvious  comment  on  his  proposal  dampened 
the  enthusiasm  of  the  archer,  who  stood  in  deep 
thought  regarding  wistfully  the  distant  form  of  his 
friend.     At  last  he  said : 

"  Would  it  not  be  possible  then  for  Roger  to  visit 
me  here  in  the  castle  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  see  how  that  may  be  accomplished.  He 
cannot  come  here  as  our  friend,  and  he  must  not 
come  as  a  spy.  If  he  refused  to  give  information  to 
his  officers  when  they  discovered  he  had  been  within 
the  castle,  they  would  imprison  him.  If  he  asked 
their  consent  before  coming,  permission  would  be 
given  only  because  they  expected  to  learn  something 
from  him  on  his  return.  We  could  not  receive  him 
even  as  a  deserter,  for  if  starvation  be  their  game,  we 
have  enough  mouths  to  feed  as  it  is.  And  I  do  not 
suppose  he  would  desert,  if  he  has  taken  service  with 
the  Archbishop." 

"  Alas,  no,"  said  Surrey,  sadly ;  "  he  would  no  more 
think  of  deserting  than  would  I  myself,  having  once 
taken  fee  for  the  campaign.  It  is  a  blessing  that  he  is 
a  modest  man  and  not  given  to  vaunting  his  own  skill 
in  the  which  he  differs  somewhat  from  myself  perhaps, 
and  thus  his  commander  is  little  likely  to  learn  his 
usefulness  providing  Roger  is  left  to  the  making  of 
papyrus  and  poetry,  for  he  alone  might  subdue  this 
strong  castle.  If  he  were  set  to  it  there  would  be  no 
possibility  of  keeping  watch  or  guard,  for  he  could 
easily  kill  any  man  who  showed  head  above  parapet. 
Not  finding  '  1  in  the  ranks  of  the  Archbishop's  men, 
he  must  have  surmised  I  was  here,  for  fate  has  always 
enlisted  us  on  opposite  sides,  and  he  perhaps  recog- 
nised the  gleam  of  my  helmet  in  the  sun,  and  only 
sent  his  arrow  the  more  surely  to  discover  my  pre- 
sence, for  there  are  guards  on  the  battlements  below 
whom  he  might  readily  have  slaughtered  had  there 
been  deadly  motive  in  his  aiming." 

"  He  is  about  to  shoot  again,"  cried  Conrad,  in 
alarm. 

All  looked  towards  the  archer,  and  it  was  evident 


m 
I 

I 


if. 


290 


TEKLA. 


he  was  preparing  another  shaft.  Surrey  waved  at  him 
and  shouted  a  warning,  but  the  distance  was  too  great 
for  his  voice  to  carry  effectually.  Roger  Kent  on 
this  occasion  held  the  bow  above  his  head  and  let  fly 
at  the  arch  of  heaven.  No  one  on  the  tower  could 
mark  the  flight  of  the  arrow,  but  they  saw  the  sender 
of  it  stand  and  gaze  upward  after  it. 

"  It  is  a  message  of  some  sort,"  said  Surrey. 
"  Conrad  and  Gottlieb,  get  you  down  to  the  room  be- 
low, as  you  are  unarmoured.  It  will  not  hurt  my 
Lord,  who  is  in  a  suit  of  mail,  and  I  wear  my  steel 
cap." 

The  two  obeyed  the  command  with  notable 
alacrity. 

'•  But  it  may  strike  you  on  the  shoulder,"  protested 
Rodolph. 

"  I  shall  nvatch  for  it,"  replied  Surrey,  "  and  will  be 
elsewhere  when  it  falls.  Do  not  look  upward,  I  beg 
of  you,  my  Lord,  for  thus  was  our  Saxon  King, 
Harold,  slain  by  a  like  shaft  from  one  of  Roger's 
ancestors.  Stand  where  you  are,  looking  downward, 
or,  better,  retire  below." 

Rodolph  laughed. 

"I  am  surely  as  nimble  as  you  are,"  he  said,  "and 
may  thus  escape  like  you  the  falling  shaft." 

As  the  Emperor  spoke  the  arrow  came  in  sight  and 
swiftly  descended,  speeding  down  alongside  the  flag 
pole  so  close  as  almost  to  touch  it  on  its  way.  The 
arrow  shattered  itself  by  impact  on  the  stone,  and  thus 
loosened  a  scroll  that  had  been  wrapped  tightly  round 
it,  fastened  at  each  end.  Surrey  pounced  upon  this 
and  found  the  message  to  be  in  several  sections,  one 
being  a  letter,  while  on  the  others  were  verse,  regard- 
ing which  the  writer,  in  his  communication,  begged 
perusal  and  criticism.  The  missive  thus  launched  into 
the  air  had  evidently  been  prepared  for  some  time  in 
readiness  to  be  sent  when  opportunity  offered. 
Surrey  gave  utterance  to  several  impatient  exclama- 
tions as  he,  with  considerable  difficulty,  conned  the 
meaning  of  the  script,  and  at  last  he  said  : 


THE  SECOND  ARCHER. 


791 


« 


Roger  tells  me  nothing  about  how  he  came  to  be 
in  the  Archbishop's  army,  nor  does  he  give  tidings  of 
anything  that  should  be  of  interest  to  a  reasonable 
being.  It  is  all  upon  his  poetry  and  the  lessons  to  be 
learned  from  a  perusal  of  the  same,  which  I  think  had 
been  better  put  in  the  poetry  itself,  for  if  it  convey  so 
little  to  the  reader  that  it  needs  must  be  explained 
'twere  as  well  not  written." 

"  That  shows  you  to  be  no  true  poet,  nor  critic 
either,"  said  the  Emperor.  "  But  now  that  old  friends 
are  in  correspondence  with  each  other,  I  shall  leave 
them  to  the  furtherance  of  it,  merely  reminding  you 
that  if  a  message  is  sent  similar  to  the  one  received, 
you  will  observe  like  caution  in  not  mentioning  any- 
thing that  relates  to  the  castle  or  its  occupants." 

When  the  Emperor  left  him  the  archer  laboured 
hard  to  transcribe  his  thoughts  on  the  back  of  a  sheet 
containing  one  of  the  poems.  He  told  Roger  he  was 
not  permitted  to  leave  the  castle,  but  that  he  had 
orders  to  go  on  guard  upon  the  western  battlements 
at  midnight  to  take  up  his  watch  until  daybreak,  and 
if  Roger  could  quit  the  camp  at  that  hour  and  climb 
the  hill,  keeping  the  north  tower  against  the  sky  as 
his  guide,  the  writer  would  endeavour  to  meet  him 
half-way,  when  they  could  talk  over  their  mutual 
adventures  since  parting.  In  case  there  was  a  com- 
panion at  his  watch  that  night,  and  it  was  thus  im- 
possible for  him  to  desert  the  castle,  the  up-comer  was 
to  approach  the  wall  under  the  northern  tower,  giving 
the  customary  cry  of  the  water-fowl,  when  the  friend 
on  the  wall  and  the  one  at  the  foot  of  it  might  have 
some  whispered  communication  between  them.  He 
added,  however,  that  there  was  little  danger  of  a 
second  man  being  on  the  battlements  unless  a  new 
alarm  of  some  kind  intervened.  The  leaf  containing 
these  instructions  he  deftly  fastened  to  the  shaft  of 
an  arrow  and  so  sped  it  to  the  feet  of  his  friend,  who 
was  himself  on  guard. 

When  Roger  had  read  what  was  sent  he  waved  his 
hand  in  apparent  token  that  the  arrangement  suited 


I  I         ' 


>  I 


292 


TEKLA. 


him,  and  Surrey,  so  understanding  the  signal,  went  to 
the  room  below  and  threw  himself  on  his  pallet  of 
straw  to  get  the  rest  he  needed  before  his  watch  be- 
gan. Like  all  great  warriors  he  was  instantly  asleep, 
and  knew  no  more  until  he  felt  Gottlieb's  hand  on  his 
shoulder  announcing  to  him  the  beginning  of  his  vigil. 
Once  on  the  ramparts,  he  relieved  the  man  who  had 
been  there  during  the  earlier  part  of  the  night,  and 
was  pleased  to  note  that  nothing  had  occurred  to  put 
an  extra  guard  on  the  promenade.  The  camp  fires 
had  gone  out,  and  the  valley  lay  in  blackness.  Surrey 
paced  up  and  down  the  battlements  for  a  while  to  let 
the  sleepy  man  he  had  relieved  get  to  his  bed,  then  he 
looked  about  him  for  means  of  reaching  the  foot  of 
the  wall  outside.  There  was  as  yet  no  cry  of  the 
night  bird,  and  he  began  to  fear  that  his  friend  had 
probably  gone  so  soundly  asleep  that  daylight  alone 
would  awaken  him.  Surrey  examined  the  wall  with 
some  care.  He  might  jump  over  without  running 
great  risk  of  injuring  himself,  but  he  could  not  jump 
back  again.  At  the  remote  end  of  the  battlements, 
under  the  north  tower,  his  foot  struck  an  obstacle,  and, 
stooping  to  examine  the  obstruction,  he  found  it  one 
of  the  wooden  missiles  with  a  rope  attached  to  it 
which  the  besiegers  had  flung  over  the  machicolated 
parapet  to  enable  them  to  climb  the  wall.  The  rope 
hung  down  outside,  and  Surrey  wondered  that  it  had 
remained  there  all  this  time  unnoticed,  certainly  a 
grave  menace  to  the  safety  of  the  garrison,  for  a  whole 
troop  might  have  climbed  up  in  the  darkness  with 
little  chance  of  being  seen  by  the  one  sentinel  on  top, 
whose  watch,  now  that  all  fear  of  attack  had  left  those 
in  the  castle,  had  become  somewhat  perfunctory. 
However,  this  was  just  the  thing  the  archer  needed, 
and  he  marvelled  why  he  had  not  thought  of  such  a 
plan  before,  for  numbers  of  these  ropes  and  billets  lay 
m  the  courtyard  of  the  fortress.  He  slipped  down  the 
cord  and  made  his  way  cautiously  through  the  vine- 
yard towards  the  village,  pausing  now  and  then  to 
give  the  signal.    About  half-way  down  the  hill,  he 


THE  SECOND  ARCHER. 


t 


293 


heard  the  breaking  of  twigs,  and  knew  that  his  friend 
was  coming  up.  He  crouched  under  the  vines  and 
waited ;  then  as  the  other  came  opposite  him,  he 
sprang  up  and  gave  him  a  vigorous  slap  on  the  shoul- 
der. Instantly  the  stranger  grappled  him,  pinioning 
his  arms  at  his  side,  and  the  next  thing  the  archer 
knew  he  had  stumbled  backwards  and  fallen,  with  the 
assailant's  knee  on  his  breast  and  a  strong  grip  at  his 
throat,  shutting  off  the  breath  and  making  outcry  im- 
possible, even  if  it  had  beei;  politic. 


%\ 


•■  ,l 


iiH 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 

CONRAD  VENTURES   HIS   LIFE   FOR  HIS   LOVE. 

Hilda  had  been  given  lodging  in  a  house  at  the 
back  of  the  village,  and  from  her  window  she  could  see 
the  castle  which  had  so  inhospitably  sent  her  from  its 
gates.  But  the  girl  had  little  time  to  mourn  her  fate, 
for  the  attacks  on  the  castle  followed  so  swiftly  one 
upon  another  that  Aiken  became  speedily  filled  with 
wounded  men,  all  the  houses  of  the  place  being  trans- 
formed into  hospitals  for  the  time.  In  like  manner 
the  womeK  were  requisitioned  as  nurses,  and  to  their 
care  many  of  the  stricken  men  owed  life.  Into  this 
humane  occupation  Hilda  threw  herself  with  a  fervour 
that  was  not  only  admirable  in  itself,  but  which  was 
deeply  appreciated  by  all  those  to  whom  she  minis- 
tered. The  other  women  of  the  village  were  anxious 
to  do  their  best,  but  they  were  for  the  most  part  rude 
and  ignorant  peasants,  knowing  little  of  their  new 
duties,  and  their  aid  was  at  all  times  clumsy  and  often 
ineffectual.  But  Hilda  brought  to  bear  upon  her  task 
an  enlightened  intelligence  and  a  deftness  of  hand,  the 
product  of  long  residence  amidst  civilised  surround- 
ings, which  quickly  gave  her,  by  right  of  dexterity,  the 
command  of  the  nursing  staff.  She  reduced  the  ar- 
rangements to  cleanliness  and  order,  and  her  bright 
presence,  not  less  than  her  winning  beauty,  seemed  to 
do  more  for  the  convalescent  than  the  ointment  of  the 
physicians.  She  was  thoroughly  womanly,  and  thus 
was  in  her  element  while  having  charge  of  so  many 
injured  men,  and  every  moment  of  her  day  being 
taken  up  with  her  work  of  mercy,  she  had  no  time  to 
brood  over  her  own  expulsion  from  the  castle,  nor  the 
severance   from   her  lover  and   mistress;  and  so,  in 


VENTURES  HIS  LIFE  FOR  LOVE.     295 


doing  good  to  others,  she  unconsciously  bestowed 
great  benefit  upon  herself. 

Once  she  had  a  fright  that  for  the  time  almost  de- 
prived her  of  speech.  In  the  midst  of  her  duties  a 
breathless  messenger  brought  news  that  the  Arch- 
bishops themselves  were  coming  to  visit  the  wounded. 
Hilda,  pressing  her  hand  to  her  heart,  stood  pale  and 
confounded,  not  knowing  what  to  do,  for  she  feared 
the  sharp  eyes  of  Arnold  von  Isenberg,  which  had  be- 
fore fallen  upon  her  in  Treves,  might  now  recognise 
her.  She  hoped  that  the  comparative  obscurity  of  the 
room  would  shield  her  from  too  minute  scrutiny,  and, 
at  first  it  seemed  that  this  would  be  the  case,  but  the 
officers  who  accompanied  the  prelates  spoke  so  en- 
thusiastically of  her  untiring  efforts  to  ameliorate  dis- 
tress and  pain,  that  Arnold  turned  his  keen  eyes  full 
upon  her,  slightly  wrinkling  his  brow,  as  if  her  appear- 
ance brought  recollection  to  him  that  he  had  difficulty 
in  localising.  The  girl  stood  trembling  before  him, 
not  daring  to  raise  her  eyes  to  his.  After  a  moment's 
pause,  filled  with  deep  anxiety  on  her  part,  the  digni- 
fied prelate  stretched  out  his  hand  and  rested  it  upon 
her  fair  hair. 

"  Blessed  are  those  who  do  deeds  of  mercy,  my 
child,"  he  said,  solemnly,  in  sonorous  voice. 

"Amen,"  responded  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne, 
with  equal  seriousness. 

"  Remember,"  said  von  Isenberg,  significantly,  turn- 
ing to  his  officers,  "  that  on  her  head  rests  the  bene- 
diction of  our  Holy  Church." 

All  present  bowed  low  and  the  stately  cortege  with- 
drew, leaving  the  girl  thankful  that  recognition  had 
not  followed  the  unlooked-for  encounter,  for  so  little 
do  the  great  take  account  of  those  who  serve  them, 
that  no  suspicion  crossed  the  Archbishop's  mind  that 
the  one  he  commended  had  been  a  member  of  his  own 
household. 

Thus  it  came  about  that  Hilda  was  a  privileged 
person  in  Aiken  and  its  environs,  and  there  was  not  an 
officer  or  common  soldier  who  would  not   instantly 


m 

m 

m 

If 


1^', 


ft' 

ir. 


296 


TEKLA. 


M 


!1! 


have  drawn  weapon  to  protect  her  from  insult  or  in- 
jury had  there  been  any  in  the  camp  inclined  to  trans- 
gress against  her. 

Late  one  night  a  lad  called  at  the  house  where 
Hilda  lived  and  told  her  a  soldier  had  hurt  his  foot 
and  could  not  walk.  He  was  seated  on  the  river 
bank,  the  boy  added,  and  asked  the  good  nurse  to 
come  to  him,  as  he  could  not  come  to  her.  Hilda 
followed  her  conductor  through  the  darkness  without 
question,  and  found  the  man  sitting  by  the  margin  of 
the  stream.  He  gave  a  coin  to  the  boy,  who  at  once 
ran  off  to  tell  his  comrades  of  his  good  luck,  leaving 
the  two  alone.  Hilda,  although  without  fear,  called 
after  the  boy,  but  he  paid  little  heed  to  her;  then 
she  turned  to  the  man  and  said  :  / 

"  Where  is  your  wound  ?  " 

"  In  th<e  heart,  Hilda,  and  none  save  you  can  cure 
it,"  he  answered  in  a  low  voice.  The  girl  gave  a  little 
cry  of  joy. 

"  Conrad  !  Is  it  indeed  you  ?  Where  have  you 
come  from?  "  " 

"  From  the  castle,  where  for  many  days  I  have  lain 
wounded,  but  now  I  am  well  again  and  yearn  only  for 
you.  So  to-night  I  took  one  of  the  scaling  ropes  that 
the  Archbishop's  men  used,  and  which  Count  Hein- 
rich  captured,  and,  watching  my  opportunity  when 
the  sentinel  was  at  the  other  end  of  the  battlements, 
I  clambered  down  to  the  foot  of  the  wall,  descended 
the  hill,  crawled  through  the  lines  unseen,  and  here  I 
am.  I  was  free  from  danger  the  moment  I  reached 
the  village,  for  there  are  so  many  men  hereabout  that 
one  more  or  less  is  not  noticed,  and  luckily  I  am 
dressed  as  Treves  men  dress.  I  looked  to  have 
trouble  in  finding  where  you  lived,  but  every  one 
knew  of  the  nurse  Hilda,  and  spoke  of  her  good  deeds, 
so,  not  wishing  to  come  upon  you  without  warning,  I 
asked  the  lad  to  bring  you  to  a  wounded  soldier.  It 
is  not  so  long  since  I  was  one  in  reality." 

*'  But  you  are  not  wounded  now  ?  "  asked  Hilda, 
anxiously. 


VENTURES  HIS  LIFE  FOR  LOVE.     297 


am 


"  No.     I  am  as  well  as  ever  again." 

"  And  you  have  braved  all  this  danger  to  see  me  ?  " 

"  Indeed  the  danger  is  but  slight,  Hilda,  and  I  do 
not  even  see  you  plainly,  but  perhaps  you  will  make 
amends  for  the  darkness";  saying  which  the  young 
man  placed  his  arm  about  her  and  kissed  her  tenderly, 
and  to  this  demonstration  there  was  little  opposition 
on  the  part  of  Hilda. 

"  Can  you  return  unseen  as  you  came  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  With  less  difficulty.  The  archer  is  on  guard  from 
midnight  until  dawn,  and  even  if  he  detected  me,  he 
would  say  nothing,  for  we  are  right  good  friends. 
We  are  comrades,  both  serving  Lord  Rodolph,  and 
not  the  Black  Count.  I  shall  not  return  before  mid- 
night." 

"  Oh,  but  I  dare  not  remain  here  so  long.  They 
would  search  for  me,  and  you  would  be  discovered." 

"  You  will  stay  as  long  as  you  can,  will  you  not, 
Hilda?  When  you  are  gone  I  shall  make  my  way 
back  through  the  lines  and  wait  for  the  coming  of  the 
archer  on  the  battlements,  unless  there  is  good  oppor- 
tunity of  mounting  before  then." 

"  I  like  not  all  these  risks  for  my  sake,  Conrad." 

"  I  am  more  selfish  than  you  think.  It  is  for  my 
own  sake  that  I  come." 

And  again  he  proved  the  truth  of  his  statement, 
although  the  girl  forbore  to  chide  him  for  his  levity  of 
conduct. 

"  Have  you  seen  my  Lady?  How  is  she?"  asked 
Hilda. 

"  I  see  her  but  seldom,  though  she  is  well,  I  know." 

The  two  were  so  absorbed  in  their  converse  that 
neither  noticed  gathering  round  them,  stealthily  enclos- 
ing them,  a  group  of  a  dozen  men  led  by  an  officer. 
They  were  therefore  startled  when  the  officer  cried : 

*'  Stand !  Make  no  resistance.  You  are  pris- 
oner." 

•     The  men  instantly  closed  in  on  Conrad  and  had  him 
pinioned  before  he  could  think  of  escape. 

"  Why  do  you  seize  him  ?  "  said  Hilda  to  the  leader, 


11 


!'*■': 


r 


298 


TEKLA. 


!    II 


hiding  her  agitation  the  better  because  of  the  darkness 
that  surrounded  them. 

"  He  is  a  spy,  gentle  nurse,"  answered  the  ofncer  in 
kindly  tone,  "  and  shall  be  hanged  as  one  ere  morn- 
ing. His  story  of  a  wound  is  doubtless  false.  He 
gave  the  boy  a  coin  with  the  emgy  of  the  Count 
Heinrich  on  it,  and  one  to  whom  the  lad  showed  the 
coin  sent  warning  to  us.  If  this  man  can  tell  us  how 
he  came  by  such  a  silver  piece,  and  can  show  us  a 
wound  got  in  honourable  service  under  the  Arch- 
bishop, then  he  will  save  his  neck,  but  not  otherwise. 
What  questions  did  he  ask  you,  nurse  ?  I  heard  you 
talking  together." 

"  None  but  those  I  might  answer  with  perfect  safety 
to  both  Archbishops." 

"Ah,  nurse,  you  know  much  of  healing,  but  little  of 
camp  lifej  I  fear.  A  question  that  may  appear  trivial 
to  you  is  like  to  seem  important  to  his  Lordship.  We 
give  short  trials  to  spies,  which  is  the  rule  of  war 
everywhere,  and  always  must  be." 

"  He  is  no  spy,"  maintained  Hilda  stoutly.  "  If  you 
hold  him,  I  will  go  myself  to  the  Archbishop  and 
claim  his  release.  You  must  give  me  your  word  that 
nothing  shall  be  done  until  I  return." 

"  It  is  better  to  see  the  captain  before  troubling  the 
Archbishop  with  so  small  a  matter." 

"  A  man's  life  is  no  small  matter." 

**  Indeed  you  will  find  the  Archbishop  attaches  but 
little  importance  to  it.  The  case  will  go  before  the 
captain,  and  it  will  be  well  for  you  to  see  him,  for  he 
may  release  the  man  if  he  wishes.  I  must  hold  him 
prisoner  in  the  square  tower  until  I  am  told  to  let 
him  go  or  to  hang  him." 

With  this  the  officer  moved  his  men  on,  the  silent 
prisoner  in  their  midst,  to  the  square  tower  which  stood 
over  the  centre  street  of  the  place.  Hilda  followed, 
not  knowing  what  to  do. 

"  I  will  see  the  captain,"  said  the  officer,  evidently 
desiring  to  befriend  her,  "  and  I  will  tell  you  what  his 
decision  is.    Then  you  may  perhaps  be  able  to  give 


VENTURES  HIS  LIFE  FOR  LOVE.     299 


him  good  reason  why  the  prisoner  should  be  released, 
or  the  man  himself  may  be  able  to  prove  his  inno- 
cence. In  that  case  your  intervention  will  not  be 
needed." 

Th«=!  prisoner  had  been  taken  up  the  narrow  stair 
that  led  to  a  room  in  the  tower  above  the  a.ch  that 
spanned  the  street.  -      <•  ' 

**  I  will  await  you  here,"  said  Hilda.  She  walked 
up  and  down  in  the  contracted  street  until  the  oft  zer 
returned. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  say,"  he  began,  "  that  the  captain 
has  gone  to  the  Archbishop's  tent  and  no  c/.e  knows 
when  he  will  return." 

"  What  am  I  to  do  ?  "  cried  the  girl. 

"  It  is  better  for  you  to  go  home,  and  when  the 
captain  comes  I  will  let  you  know." 

"  But  if  he  insists  on  executing  the  prisoner,  then 
am  I  helpless.  It  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  see  the 
Archbishop  until  morning." 

"  Has  this  man  come  from  the  castle  ?  " 

"  If  I  answer,  what  use  will  you  make  of  what  I 
say  ?  " 

"  I  shall  make  no  use  of  it,  but  will  give  you  a 
hint." 

"  I  trust  to  your  word  then.  He  did  come  from 
the  castle." 

"So  I  thought.  Well,  I  am  responsible  for  the 
spies.  The  captain  is  responsible  for  the  impervious- 
ness  of  the  line  round  the  cnstle,  and  he  will  be  most 
loath  for  any  one  to  tell  the  Archbishop  that  a  man 
from  the  castle  has  broken  through  the  lines  to  be 
captured  by  me  on  the  bank  of  the  river.  If  one 
man  comes  through  why  not  all  ?  will  be  the  natural 
thought  of  the  Archbishop.  This  I  dare  not  suggest 
to  the  captain,  but  you  may  do  so,  if  you  find  your 
resolution  to  see  the  Archbishop  has  no  effect  on 
him." 

"  I  thank  you,"  said  Hilda,  simply. 

The  lieutenant  took  her  hand  and  whispered : 

"  What  am  I  to  get  besides  thanks  for  this  valuable 
hint?" 


■m 


:VI 


'■]\ 


300 


TEKLA. 


19 


iJ! 


'  ■  He  tried  to  draw  the  girl  towards  him  but  she  held 
back,  and  said  quietly  : 

"  I  will  give  you  a  hint  for  a  hint.  I  call  to  your  re- 
membrance the  words  of  the  Archbishop  concerning 
me.  The  benediction  of  our  Holy  Church  protected 
me,  he  said." 

The  officer  dropped  her  reluctant  hand. 

"  I  will  inform  you  when  the  captain  comes,"  he  re- 
plied, turning  away  from  her. 

It  was  nearly  midnight  when  the  captain  returned, 
the  girl  anxiously  awaiting  him.  It  was  found,  how- 
ever, that  her  intercession  was  not  necessary.  The 
Archbishop,  it  seemed,  had  given  general  instructions 
that  any  one  attempting  to  leave  Thuron  was  to  be 
sent  back  unharmed,  on  giving  his  parole  that  he 
would  not  again  desert  the  stronghold.  The  shrewd 
prelate  did  not  propose  to  help  Heinrich  indirectly  by 
capturing  and  executing  his  men,  thus  leaving  him 
with  fewer  mouths  to  fill.  His  object  was  to  bring 
starvation  to  Thuron  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  it 
was  not  likely  he  would  allow  either  death  or  imprison- 
ment to  be  an  ally  of  the  Black  Count.  But  a  diffi- 
culty presented  itself,  for  the  prisoner,  undeterred  by 
threats,  obstinately  refused  to  give  his  word  that  he 
would  not  again  attempt  to  break  through  the  lines. 
In  vain  did  the  captain  sternly  acquaint  him  with  the 
invariable  fate  of  the  spy,  asserting  that  the  clemency 
of  the  Archbishop  arose  through  his  Lordship's  noted 
kindness  of  heart ;  that  the  terms  of  his  liberation 
were  simple  and  much  more  humane  than  any  other 
commander  in  the  world  would  impose ;  nevertheless, 
Conrad  stoutly  maintained  that  he  would  break 
through  the  lines  whenever  it  pleased  him  to  do  so, 
and  if  they  caught  him  next  time  they  were  quite  wel- 
come to  hang  him.  The  captain  was  nonplussed,  for 
the  prisoner  asserted  this  with  the  rope  actually  round 
his  neck.  The  lieutenant  whispered  that  the  nurse 
Hilda  seemed  to  have  wonderful  influence  over  the 
man  and  proposed  that  she  be  called  and  the  case 
stated  to  her,  whereupon  she  might  persuade  him  to 


:4. 


'^     VENTURES  HIS  LIFE  FOR  LOVE.     301 

be  more  reasonable,  although  all  their  threats  had 
failed.  Accordingly  Hilda  was  sent  for,  the  lieutenant 
telling  her  on  the  way  that  the  captain  would  spare 
the  prisoner's  life  if  he  but  gave  his  word  that  he 
would  not  again  return  to  Aiken,  concealing,  however, 
the  fact  that  the  captain  dare  not  execute  the  man. 

**  If  I  may  speak  with  him  alone,"  she  said,  "  I  will 
try  to  convince  him  that  he  should  give  the  captain  his 
word,  and  I  know  he  will  keep  it  once  it  is  given,  other- 
wise he  would  have  promised  you  anything  to  get  free." 

"  Yes,  the  captain  himself  said  as  much,  wondering 
why  a  man  should  so  hesitate  in  the  face  of  certain 
death." 

They  found  Conrad  standing  bound,  with  a  loop 
round  his  neck,  the  rope  being  threaded  through  an 
iron  ring  in  the  ceiling,  while  two  stout  men-at-arms 
held  the  loose  end  ready  to  pull  him  to  destruction 
when  their  officer  gave  the  word. 

The  captain,  on  hearing  Hilda's  proviso,  ordered  his 
men  to  withdraw,  and,  following  them  himself  with  the 
lieutenant,  left  Hilda  alone  with  Conrad. 

The  subordinate  officer  suggested  to  his  chief  that 
the  girl  might  untie  the  man  and  thus  allow  him  to 
escape,  as  she  seemed  to  have  much  interest  in  his  wel- 
fare. 

"  Indeed,"  said  the  captain,  with  a  shrug,  "  it  is  my 
devout  hope  that  she  will  do  so,  if  he  refuses  to  take 
parole,  for  I  know  not  what  to  do  with  the  fool.  If 
then  you  see  him  sneak  away,  in  God's  name  let  him 
go,  and  we  will  search  ineffectually  for  him  when  it  is 
too  late„     We  shall  be  well  rid  of  him." 

When  all  had  gone,  Hilda  said  to  her  lover: 

"  You  must  promise,  Conrad,  not  to  come  again  to 
Aiken.  You  run  a  double  risk ;  first  from  the  officers 
here ;  second  from  your  own  master  when  you  return. 
Therefore  give  your  word  that  you  will  attempt  no 
such  dangerous  task  again." 

"  How  can  I  do  that,  Hilda?  I  must  see  you,  other- 
wise  life  is  unbearable  to  me.  If  I  should  promise  I 
could  not  hold  to  it." 


t>m 


-."■s-i. 


I, 


302 


TEKLA. 


♦*  It  will  be  easy  for  us  to  meet,  Conrad,  without  run- 
ning such  risks.  I  can  pass  through  the  lines  at  any 
time  unchallenged,  so  on  mid-week  night  I  shall  go  up 
to  the  castle  walls,  and  there  we  may  be  together 
without  scathe.  If  we  are  discovered  and  I  am  made 
prisoner  in  Thuron,  that  will  not  matter.  They  will 
not  harm  me,  and  I  shall  then  be  where  I  wish  to  be. 
But  with  you  it  is  different ;  if  they  capture  you  again, 
it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  save  you,  for  they  will 
beheve  you  are  a  spy.  Let  me  then  meet  you  under 
the  safe  walls  of  Thuron,  for  I  am  as  anxious  to  see 
you  as  you  are  to  see  me." 

"  It  delights  me  to  hear  you  say  so,  Hilda,  but  I  like 
not  the  thought  of  you  climbing  this  dark  hill  alone." 

•*  Pooh,  that  is  nothing.  I  shall  most  willingly  do  it, 
and  then  we  can  whisper  to  each  other  whatever 
seems  of  hiost  interest,  without  fear  of  being  inter- 
rupted, the  constant  terror  of  which  would  haunt  us 
in  Aiken.  The  shadow  of  the  frowning  walls  of 
Thuron  makes  an  ideal  lover's  trysting-place,  there- 
fore, Conrad,  give  the  captain  your  promise,  and  meet 
me  under  the  north  tower,  two  nights  hence,  at  the 
same  hour  that  you  sent  for  me  in  Aiken." 

"  It  seems  the  only  thing  to  do.  I  can  come  down 
the  hill  to  meet  you,  so  that  you " 

"  No,  no.  We  will  meet  under  the  walls  of  Thuron ; 
that  is  settled,  and  I  shall  now  call  the  captain  and 
his  men  to  unbind  you.  I  suppose  they  would  not  be 
pleased  if  I  untied  your  cords." 

The  impatient  captain,  to  his  amazement,  was  sum- 
moned, after  he  had  quite  made  up  his  mind  that  the 
girl  would  connive  at  the  prisoner's  escape.  Conrad 
then,  in  presence  of  the  men,  gave  the  captain  his 
word  that  he  would  not  again  attempt  to  pass  the 
lines,  and  that  he  would  inform  no  one  in  the  castle  of 
anything  he  might  chance  to  have  seen  or  heard  while 
he  was  in  Aiken.  He  was  then  unbound  and  con- 
ducted through  the  lines,  and  set  his  face  towards  the 
steep  and  dark  hill  as  the  deep  toned  bell  of  the  castle 
struck  the  hour  of  midnight.    Although  he  had  not 


.      VENTURES  HIS  LIFE  FOR  LOVE.     303 

told  Hilda  so,  he  feared  treachery  from  the   captain 
and  hib  men.     He  had  seen  the  captain's  hesitancy  re- 
garding his  threatened  execution  and  wondered  why 
that  officer  contented  himself  with  the  simple  word  of 
a  captured  underling,  for  Conrad  knew  how  little  de- 
pendence was  placed  even  on  the  oath  of  such  as  he. 
He  believed  that  for  some  reason  the  captain  did  not 
wish  to  hang  him,  but  intended  to  have  him  set  on  in 
the  dark  and  there  quietly  made  away  with.    So  when 
he  had  mounted  a  few  steps  he   paused  and  listened 
intently,  but  could  detect  no  indication  of  followers. 
Further  up  he  paused  again,  and  this  time  he  certainly 
heard  some  one  coming  with  apparent  caution,  yet, 
as  if   unfamiliar  with  the  ground,  the   follower  stum- 
bled now  and  again   among   the   vines   and    bushes. 
Conrad  hurried  up  the  slope  and  paused  a  third  time, 
now  being  sure  that   he  was  indeed  tracked,  for  the 
man   behind   came   on  with   less  circumspection  and 
prudence.  As  Conrad,  resolving  to  distance  his  pursuer 
in   the   race,  plunged  onward   and   upwards,  he  was 
startled  by  a  man  springing  from  the  bushes  in  front 
who  seized  him  by  the  shoulder.     Instantly  Conrad 
sprang  upon  him,  making  no  outcry  and  determined 
that  his  antagonist  should  make  none  either,  for  he 
clutched  the  unknown  firmly  by  the  throat,  and  bore 
him  to  the  earth,  squeezing  all  possibility  of  sound 
from  his  windpipe.     Kneeling  thus  above  his  unex- 
pected foe,  he  tried  to  reach  his  knife,  to  give  quietus 
to  the  under  man  before   his  accomplice  could  come 
up  with   them,  for  in   spite   of   the  absence  of  cries 
the  two  combatants  made  much  noise  thrashing  about 
among  the  vines  ;  but  now  the  under  man,  who  had 
been  so  easily   pushed  backwards,  seemed  to  gather 
both  strength  and  c.arage,  fighting  with  such  bravery 
of  despair  that  Conrad  had  all  he  could  do  to  keep 
him  down,  using  both  hands  instead  of   one.     If  he 
was  to  maintain  his  position  on  top,  the  knife  was  out 
of  the  question,  so  he  devoted  his  efforts  to  the  stran- 
gling of  the  man  beneath  him.     In  the  midst  of  this 
arduous  occupation,   the   third   man  arrived   on   the 
scene.* 


m 


1^ 


■M 


•ml 


;i 


r 


.1 


^Mh 


I       ', 


CHAPTER  XXX.     /      . 

,^  THE  STRUGGLE  IN  THE  DARK. 

**  Hold  !  "  cried  the  newcomer.  "  Which  is  for  the 
Archbishop — under  dog  or  upper  dog  ?  A  plague  on 
this  darkness  which  lets  me  see  distinctly  neither  one 
nor  the  other." 

Surrey  underneath  could  not  speak,  and  Conrad 
above  thought  it  more  prudent  not  to  speak. 

"  Answer,  upper  dog,"  cried  Roger  Kent,  peering 
at  them,  '*  or  take  your  fingers  from  the  under  dog's 
throat  and  let  him  answer,  otherwise  I  will  run  my 
knife  into  you  on  the  chance  that  you  are  my  enemy." 

"  You  are  free,"  said  Conrad,  maintaining  his  hold, 
but  conscious  that  he  had  little  chance  against  the 
two  of  them,  "  therefore  declare  yourself." 

"  I  have  no  shame  in  doing  so.  I  fight  for  the 
A.rchbishop  and  the  Church." 

"  Then  stand  aside  and  see  whether  Archbishop  or 
Black  Count  wins." 

"  Nay,  that  I  will  not  do.  You  are  no  true  follower 
of  the  Church  or  you  would  call  me  to  your  aid.  Re- 
lease your  hold  of  the  other's  throat,  or  I  will  draw 
my  knife  across  yours." 

Conrad,  seeing  that  the  game  was  up,  and  guessing 
also  that  the  two  were  not  comrades  and  accomplices, 
as  he  had  at  first  supposed,  relaxed  his  hold  and  stood 
up.     The  other  lay  gasping  where  he  had  fallen. 

Now  speak,  fellow,  an'  enough  breath  has  returned 
t^'  vou ;  are  you  for  the  White  Cross  or  the  Black 
Couit?" 

With  some  difficulty  Surrey  rose  to  a  sitting  pos- 
ture, and  said  at  last : 

"Indeed  I  think  I  must  be  the  Black  Count  himself, 


THE  STRUGGLE  IN  THE  DARK.      305 


for  with  the  choking  I  have  had,  my  face,  could  any 
see  it,  more  nearly  resembles  that  of  His  Swarthiness 
than  it  does  the  lilies  of  the  field." 

"Is  it  you,  archer?"  asked  Conrad  in  surprise, 
stepping  forward. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Surrey  and  Kent  simultaneously, 
then  the  former  added,  shaking  himself  as  he  rose  to 
his  feet,  "  at  least  it  was  me  before  your  most  un- 
looked  for  interference,  but  who  I  am  now  it  is  be- 
yond me  accurately  to  tell.  If  you  are  Conrad,  then 
what  the  devil  do  you  here  out  of  the  castle  on  the 
hillside  after  midnight,  when  all  honest  folk,  except 
those  on  watch,  should  be  sleeping  soundly  on  straw  ?  " 

"  If  it  comes  to  that,"  replied  Conrad,  "  what  do 
you  here,  honest  watchman,  who  at  this  moment  are 
supposed  to  be  faithfully  guarding  the  battlements  of 
Castle  Thuron?" 

"  That  in  truth  is  a  knotty  question  to  answer,  and 
I  confess  myself  grievously  in  the  wrong,  in  thus 
breaking  my  watch,  and  feel  the  more  inclined  to  say, 
let  us  make  a  pact  together,  for  if  you  inform  not  on 
me,  then  is  my  mouth  shut  regarding  your  own 
flagrant  delinquencies.  These  I  find  hard  to  pardon, 
for  a  man  owes  it  to  his  comrades  during  besiegement 
to  stand  by  them  and  not  to  be  found  coming  up 
from  the  camp  of  the  enemy." 

"  I  am  not  on  guard,  and  therefore  have  broken  no 
oath.  My  desertion  is  as  white  compared  to  thine  as 
was  my  face  to  thine  a  few  moments  since." 

"True,  true.  There  is  much  to  be  said  on  both 
sides  of  the  question,  and  if  I  had  the  judging  in  the 
matter  we  should  each  of  us  hang,  that  is,  did  the 
cases  come  impartially  before  me,  without  personal 
consequences  affecting  me  in  any  way.  And  to  think 
that  I  once  had  the  privilege  of  sending  an  arrow 
through  you  at  three  yards  distance,  was  begged  to 
speed  it,  and  neglected  the  opportunity !  It  serves 
me  right  well  to  be  choked  for  thus  putting  aside  the 
gifts  of  Providence." 

"  I  am  truly  sorry  I  laid  hands  on  you,  but  I  was 


•m 


■jji. 
i 


if 


•  K 

:':  i' 


'.  !- 


n  J 


•I 


ii 


TT* 


306 


TEKLA. 


looking  for  an  attack  by  the  Archbishop's  men,  and 
when  you  came  suddenly  upon  me  I  did  what  seemed 
best,  for  it  is  ill  running  up  the  hill,  and  I  feared  to 
run  down  as  I  heard  this  fellow  on  my  track." 

"  I  was  journeying  to  meet  my  friend,"  said  Roger, 
**  and  had  no  thought  that  any  was  before  me  until  I 
heard  the  struggle.  We  seem  all  three  equally  foolish 
and  equally  guilty,  therefore  let  us  all  forgive  one 
another,  as  becomes  Christians." 

"  I  bear  no  malice,"  said  Surrey ;  "  but  I  will  say 
that  had  he  not  taken  me  unaware,  as  I  was  looking 
for  a  friend,  the  contest  might  have  turned  out  differ- 
ently. Still  it  matters  little,  unless  they  have  dis- 
covered my  absence  in  the  castle  and  have  sent 
Conrad  in  search  of  me,  in  the  which  case  I  had  better 
abandon  bow  and  take  to  the  camp  of  the  Arch- 
bishops. '  Were  you  looking  for  me,  Conrad  ?  If  not, 
why  are  you  here  ?  " 

"  I  left  the  castle  long  before  you  did,  most  like.  I 
went  to  the  village  to  find  Hilda,  who  was  with  us  on 
the  voyage  down  from  Treves." 

**  Ah,  that  is  the  wench  for  whose  sake  you  risked 
having  an  arrow  hurtled  through  your  vitals  at 
Zurlauben,  and,  learning  nothing,  stake  your  life  for 
her  again.     The  folly  of  man  !  " 

"Judge  him  not  harshly,  John,"  murmured  the 
poet.  "  Admire  rather  the  power  wielded  by  true 
love.  *Tis  the  most  beautiful  thing  on  earth  :  the 
noblest  passion  that  inspires  the  human  breast.  That 
a  man  should  gladly  venture  his  life  on  the  chance  of 
a  few  words  with  his  beloved,  shows  us  this  world  is 
not  the  sordid,  disputatious  place  we  sometimes  fancy 
it  to  be.   What  other  motive  could  so  influence  a  man  ?  " 

"Tush,  Roger!"  cried  his  friend,  with  some  im- 
patience. "  Your  head  is  ever  in  the  clouds,  and  you 
therefore  see  not  what  lies  at  your  feet.  Thousands 
of  men  continually  risk  their  lives,  and  lose  them,  for 
less  than  threepence  a  day.  No  such  motive  as  love ! 
Nonsense  !  Friendship  is  every  whit  as  strong,  and 
we  stand  here  to  prove  it,  who  have  both  this  night 


for 


THE  STRUGGLE  IN  THE  DARK.      307 

risked  our  lives  that  we  may  but  talk  with  one  another. 
Out  upon  rhapsodies."  '  I  i 

**  Nay,  John,  if  you  were  a  true  poet  you  would  not 
speak  in  gross  ignorance  as  now  you  do.  If  you  try 
to  weave  friendship  into  verse  you  will  find  that  it 
rouses  not  the  warmth  which  the  smaller  word  *  love ' 
calls  forth.  I  say  nothing  against  friendship,  for  I 
have  tasted  the  sweets  of  it,  and  I  know  nothing  of  love, 
having  never  myself  experienced  a  touch  of  it,  but  I 
find  that  in  the  making  of  poetry  love  is  the  most  use- 
ful of  all  the  themes  that  a  poet  may  play  upon.  Yet 
have  I  but  to-day  accomplished  a  poem  on  the  delights 
of  friendship,  which  I  will  now  recite  to  you  both, 
and  which  I  think  does  justice  to  the  subject  in  a 
manner  that  has  hitherto  been  withheld  from  all 
writers,  save  perhaps  Homer  himself !  " 

"  I  must  be  gone  to  the  castle,"  said  Conrad. 

"We  will  walk  up  the  hill  with  you,"  rejoined 
Surrey,  "  and,  Conrad,  I  wish  you  would  take  my 
watch  on  the  wall  till  I  relieve  you.  I  desire  to  have 
converse  with  my  friend  here,  and  we  will  sit  under 
the  wall,  where  you  can  give  me  timely  warning  if  you 
hear  any  one  approach  from  within,  although  I  think 
such  interruption  most  unlikely.  Was  it  on  your  rope 
I  descended,  I  wonder  ?  " 

*'  I  left  a  rope  dangling  at  the  north-west  corner." 

"  That  was  it.  I  marv^elled  how  it  came  there,  and 
thought  it  had  been  flung  up  by  the  besiegers,  remain- 
ing unseen  by  the  garrison.  Will  you,  then,  take  my 
watch  for  a  time,  Conrad  ?  " 

"  Surely.  'Tis  but  slight  recompense  for  the  chok- 
ing  I 

"  Yes,  yes,"  interrupted  the  archer,  hurriedly,  "  we 
will  not  speak  of  that,  for  you  took  me  by  surprise. 
Mount  to  the  battlements,  and  you  will  find  my  pike 
lying  on  the  top  of  the  wall  near  the  place  of  de- 
scent." 

They  had  by  this  time  reached  the  castle,  and  there 
they  stood  for  a  few  moments  and  listened,  but 
everything  was  quiet,  and  Conrad,  aided  by  the  hang- 


mm 


n,, 


ft--'---  fe* 


3o8 


TEKLA. 


111! 


!' 


ing  rope,  ascended  to  the  top,  while  the  two  archers 
sat  down  at  the  foot  of  the  northern  tower. 

"  The  poem  on  *  Friendship,' — "  began  Roger. 

"Yes,"  broke  in  his  friend,  "we  will  come  to  it 
presently.  How  is  it  you  are  fighting  for  the  Arch- 
bishop?" 

"  How  is  it  you  sent  no  word  back  to  me  as  you 
promised  to  do?" 

"  That  is  a  long  story.  They  would  not  even  let 
me  enter  Treves,  for  there  was  nothing  of  all  this 
afoot  when  I  was  there.  On  finding  service  at  last, 
having  journeyed  to  a  hill-top  within  a  league  of  this 
place,  I  tried  to  send  tidings  to  you  by  the  young 
man  who  has  just  left  us,  but  he  was  baffled  and 
turned  back  by  the  forces  of  the  Archbishop,  and 
could  no  more  get  to  Treves  than  I  could  enter  it  once 
I  was  at  its  gates.  We  are  all  prisoners  here,  and  un- 
til your  arrow  tapped  my  steel  cap  I  knew  not  where 
you  were." 

"  Hearing  nothing  I  went  to  Treves  in  search  of 
you,  regretting  I  had  not  accompanied  you,  but  you 
know  there  were  important  poems  that  I  wished  to 
complete  when  you  left  me — they  are  all  finished 
now,  and  it  would  have  done  you  good  to  hear  them  ; 
in  fact,  it  was  that  which  made  me  follow  you  to 
Treves,  for  the  consummation  of  a  poem  is  the  listen- 
ing to  it.  There  is  one  set  of  verses  on  'Sleep'  that 
luckily  I  remember,  and  can  recite,  if  you  will  but 
harken." 

"  What  happened  when  you  reached  Treves?  " 

"  I  made  enquiry  concerning  you  from  all  with 
whom  I  could  gain  speech,  but  there  was  nothing 
save  talk  of  war  in  the  place,  and  nowhere  could  I 
hear  aught  of  you.  One  army  had  already  left  Treves, 
marching  eastward,  and  another  was  then  filling  its 
ranks.  The  officer  I  spoke  with,  who  was  inducing  all 
he  could  to  join,  offering  great  chances  of  plunder 
when  the  castle  was  taken,  said  he  remembered  you 
well,  and  that  you  had  gone  with  the  first  army,  leav- 
ing word  that  I  was  to  join  and  follow  you." 


THE  STRUGGLE  IN  THE  DARK.      309 


"The  liar.  I  wonder  the  Archbishop  retains  the 
service  of  such,  although  perhaps  he  does  not  know 
his  officers  hold  the  truth  in  contempt." 

"  It  is  strange  you  should  refer  so  warmly  to  truth, 
for  I  esteem  it  the  choicest  of  all  virtues,  and  have 
written  a  poem  on  *  Whiterobed  Truth,'  which  I  hope 
remains  in  my  memory,  seeing  it  is  so  dark  that  no 
reading  may  be  done.     It  begins " 

"  You  believed  him,  of  course,  and  enlisted  with 
him?" 

"  Yes.  He  said  we  should  find  you  here,  and  so 
indeed  have  I,  but  in  the  opposite  camp.  I  marched 
with  them  down  the  river,  and  when  we  arrived  I 
heard  such  wonderful  stories  of  an  infallible  archer  in 
the  castle  that  I  knew  he  must  be  you." 

"Yes,"  cried  John,  rubbing  his  hands  together  in 
glee,  "  it  was  the  most  heavenly  opportunity  ever  be- 
stowed upon  a  mortal  man.  I  wish  you  had  been 
there  to  see.  I  was  in  the  tower  above  the  enemy, 
and  I  shot  them  in  the  neck,  stringing  them  one  after 
another  on  the  shafts,  like  running  skewers  in  a  round 
of  beef.     Not  one  did  I  miss." 

"  Oh,  'tis  easily  done,"  commented  Roger,  carelessly. 

Tis  instinct,  largely ;  you  glance  at  your  mark,  and 
next  instant  your  arrow  is  there." 

"  Roger  Kent,"  replied  the  other,  in  a  despondent 
tone,  "  I  have  on  various  occasions  passed  favourable 
judgment  on  your  poems ;  I  think  you  might,  in 
return,  admit  that  I  am  at  least  proficient  in  the  rudi- 
ments of  archery," 

"John  Surrey,  I  have  more  than  once  expressed  the 
opinion,  which  I  still  hold,  that  you  will  in  time,  with 
careful  practice,  become  a  creditable  archer.  You 
would  not  have  me  say  more  and  thus  forswear  my- 
self." 

"  No,"  admitted  John ;  "  I  am  well  content  when 
you  say  as  much,  and  now  if  it  pleases  you  I  will 
listen  to  as  many  of  your  verses  as  you  can  conven- 
iently remember." 

Surrey  leaned  back  against    the  wall  with  a  deep 


<( ' 


"If 


:i 


it' 


310 


TEKLA. 


sigh,  and  the  other,  his  voice  vibrant  with  enthusiasm, 
said  : 

"  I  will  recite  you  first  the  poem  on  *  Friendship,'  in 
honour  of  our  meeting,  and  then  you  shall  hear  the 
verses  on  '  Sleep,'  which  come  the  more  timely  on  an 
occasion  when  we  both  deprive  ourselves  of  it,  in 
order  to  hear  verse  which  you  will  be  the  first  to 
admit  is  well  worth  the  sacrifice." 

The  poet  then  delivered  his  lines  in  smooth  and 
measured  tones,  to  which  the  other  listened  without 
comment.  From  poem  to  poem  Roger  Kent  glided, 
sometimes  interlarding  the  pauses  between  with  a  few 
sentences  describing  how  the  following  effort  came  to 
maturity,  thus  cementing  the  poems  together  with 
their  history,  as  a  skilful  mason  lays  his  mortar  between 
the  itones.  No  literary  enthusiast  could  have  had  a 
more  p4tient  listener,  and  the  night  wore  on  to  the 
tuneful  cadence  of  the  poet's  voice.  At  last  he  ceased. 
The  steps  of  the  patient  Conrad  on  the  battlements 
echoed  in  the  still  night  air. 

"Those  are  all  the  poems  I  can  remember,"  he 
said,  "  and  you  see  that  I  have  not  misspent  the  time 
while  you  were  journeying  c  "wn  the  Moselle.  I  do 
not  know  when  I  have  had  a  moi .  'ful  season.  If 
I  could  but  deliver  these  verses  to  some  monk  who 
would  inscribe  them  on  lasting  parchment,  for  future 
ages  to  discuss  and  con  over,  I  would  be  a  happy 
man.  Alas,  the  monks  care  not  to  write  of  au^ht  save 
the  sayings  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Churcli,  and  look 
askance  at  poems  dealing  with  human  instincts  and 
passions  that  are  beyond  the  precincts  oi  the  cloister, 
even  though  such  poems  tend  to  the  future  enrich- 
ment of  literature,  had  the  holy  men  but  the  mind  to 
appreciate  them.  Thus  I  fear  my  verse  will  be  lost 
to  the  world  and  that,  in  this  deplorably  contentious 
existence  which  we  lead,  my  span  may  be  suddenly  at 
an  end,  with  none  to  put  in  permanent  form  the  work 
to  which  my  life  has  been  devoted.  What  poem, 
think  you,  of  all  you  have  heard,  is  the  most  likely  to 
live  after  we  are  gone?  " 


THE  STRUGGLE  IN  THE  DARK.     311 


m 


There  was  no  reply,  and  in  the  silence  that  followed, 
the  even  breathing  of  John  Surrey  brought  to  the 
mind  of  the  poet  the  well  nigh  incredible  suspicion 
that  his  friend  was  asleep.  This  suspicion,  however,  he 
dismissed  as  unworthy  of  either  of  them,  and  he  shook 
his  comrade  by  the  shoulder,  repeating  his  question. 

"Eh?  What?"  cried  John.  "Take  your  hand 
from  my  throat,  villain." 

"  My  hand  is  not  on  your  throat  but  on  your 
shoulder,  and  I  misdoubt  you  have  for  some  time 
been  asleep." 

"  Asleep  ?  "  cried  John,  with  honest  indignation.  "  I 
was  far  from  being  asleep.  When  you  stopped  recit- 
ing I  had  but  let  my  mind  wander  for  a  moment  on 
the  rough  usage  I  had  had  from  Conrad,  who  pre- 
tended he  did  not  know  me.  I'll  wing  a  shaft  by  his 
ear  so  close  that  it  will  make  him  jump  a  dozen  yards, 
and  for  the  space  while  he  counts  ten  he  will  be  uncer- 
tain whether  he  is  in  this  world  or  the  next.  I  called 
him  villain,  and  I  stick  to  it." 

"  But  what  call  you  my  poems?  " 

"  They  are  grand — all  of  them.  You  are  getting 
better  and  better  at  rhyming ;  I  swear  by  the  bow, 
you  are.     I  never  hear(^  anything  to  equal  them." 

"  Indeed,"  replied  tl  ^  poet,  complacently,  "  a  man 
should  improve  with  age,  like  good  wine,  if  he  have 
the  right  stuff  in  him,  but  though  all  are  so  good, 
there  is  surely  some  poem  better  than  the  rest,  as  in  a 
company  of  men  one  must  stand  taller  than  his  fel- 
lows.    Which  was  it,  John  ?  " 

"  The  last  one  you  recited  seemed  to  me  the  best," 
said  John,  scratching  his  head  dubiously,  and  then  not 
having  the  sense  to  let  well  enough  alone,  added, 
"  the  one  on  *  Sleep.'  " 

The  poet  rose  to  his  feet  and  spoke  with  justifiable 
indignation. 

"  I  have  recited  to  you  a  score  since  tnat,  you 
sluggard.     You  have  indeed  been  asleep." 

"  I  said  not  the  last,  but  the  first.  I  say  the  poem 
on  *  Sleep  *  is  the  best,  and  that  I  hold  to." 


I  ':  1 


K'4 


it. 


312 


TEKLA. 


"  The  first  was  on  '  Friendship,' "  said  the  poet 
gloomily. 

"  Nay,  I  count  not  the  one  on '  Friendship  '  as  aught 
but  the  introduction.  'Twas  given,  you  said,  in 
honour  of  our  meeting,  therefore  1  regard  the  one  on 
*  Sleep  *  as  the  beginning,  and  although  all  are  good, 
that  seemed,  in  my  poor  judgment,  the  best." 

*'  I  had  hoped  you  would  have  liked  the  one  on 
'  Woman's  Love,'  "  murmured  Roger,  evidently  molli- 
fied. 

"  Ah,  Roger,  what  can  you  expect  of  a  hardened 
bachelor  like  me  ?  There  was  a  time  when  I  would 
have  thrown  up  my  cap  and  proclaimed  that  poem  mas- 
ter of  them  all,  which  doubtless  it  will  be  accounted 
in  the  estimation  of  the  world.  Even  I  admit  it  was 
enough  to  make  my  old  bones  burn  again,  and  while 
you  were  reciting  it,  I  was  glad  young  Conrad  was 
not  here,  else  he  had  straightway  run  to  Aiken  in  his 
own  despite.  That  poem  will  be  the  favourite  of 
lovers  all  the  world  over ;  I  am  sure  of  it." 

"  Say  you  so,  honest  John  ?"  cried  Roger,  with  glee. 
"It  is  indeed  my  own  hope.  You  were  the  truest 
and  wisest  of  critics,  and  no  bowman  in  all  Germany 
can  match  you.  Forgive  me  that  I  mistook  your 
meditation  for  slumber.  And  now,  good  night,  old 
friend ;  we  will  meet  again  when  I  have  composed 
some  others,  although  I  doubt  if  I  ever  do  anything 
as  good  as  that  one." 

And  thereupon  the  friends  embraced  and  parted, 
each  glowing  with  the  praise  of  the  other. 


of 


:ed, 


Vr*P'- 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

BRAVE   NKWS   OF  THK   EMPEROR. 

As  the  days  went  by  and  the  seasons  changed,  dull 
monotony  settled  down  upon  the  besieged  castle,  and 
all  within  felt  more  or  less  its  depressing  effects.  The 
Black  Count  chafed  under  it  like  a  caged  lion,  break- 
ing out  now  and  then  into  helpless  rage,  eager  to  do 
anything  rather  than  the  one  thing  which  had  to  be 
done,  and  that  was  to  sit  quiet  until  the  Archbishops 
tired  of  their  task,  or  until  some  commotion  occurred 
elsewhere  which  would  compel  them  to  withdraw  their 
troops.  Heinrich  had  wild  sc^emes  of  breaking 
through  the  lines,  marching  on  to  Treves,  and  there 
fomenting  rebellion,  so  that  Arnold  might  find  some- 
thing to  occupy  him  at  home  and  be  thus  compelled  to 
leave  his  neighbour  in  peace.  But  the  cool  head  in  the 
garrison  was  that  of  Rodolph,  who  pointed  out  calmly 
to  his  nominal  chief  the  impracticability  of  his  plans. 
He  knew  more  of  Treves  than  did  the  Count,  and  as- 
serted that  no  man  could  stir  up  trouble  in  that  town, 
where  all  were  but  too  well  acquainted  with  the  weight 
of  the  Archbishop's  iron  hand. 

It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  two  men  so  differently 
constituted  as  the  Emperor  and  the  Count,  thus 
hemmed  in  together,  should  grow  to  love  each  other ; 
indeed,  Heinrich  took  small  pains  to  conceal  the  dis- 
like he  felt  for  his  enforced  guest,  although  Rodolph 
was  more  ,  litic,  and  always  treated  his  elder  with 
grave  respect  Only  once  during  the  two  years'  siege 
did  there  come  a  conflict  of  authority  between  them, 
and  this  said  much  tor  the  forbearance  of  t  he  Emperor. 

One  morning  Rodolph  fou.id  the  Count  in  the  court- 
yard in  full  armour  vigorously  superintending  his  men, 


!  i^ 


•:lii 


n 

m 

'■}■  'a  I 

i. 

-\ 

■i 

^jb 

■I 

1 

1 

'■■M 

[l 

i 

% 


Kl 


r  ■< 


314 


TEKLA. 


K 


who  were  removing  from  the  gates  the  bags  of  grain 
and  casks  of  wine  which  were  piled  against  them. 

"  What  is  going  forward  ?  "  asked  Rodolph,  quietly. 

"  Something  that  concerns  you  not,  and  your  assist- 
ance is  neither  asked  nor  wanted,"  answered  the  Black 
Count,  in  his  most  surly  manner. 

"  Pardon  me,  if  I  venture  to  point  out  that  any- 
thing which  pertains  to  the  safety  of  the  castle  con- 
cerns me." 

"  Whose  castle  is  it  ?  "  roared  the  Count. 

"  That  is  precisely  the  point  now  under  dispute,"  re- 
plied the  Emperor,  with  the  utmost  gravity.  "  If  you 
do  some  foolish  thing  the  castle  doubtless  will  in  a  few 
hou's  belong  to  the  Archbishops,  for  they  are  proba- 
bly counting  on  an  act  of  folly  which  will  bring  them 
into  possession.  I  am  anxious  that  the  castle  remain 
in  your  hands,  therefore  I  ask  again,  what  are  you  pro- 
posing to  do,  and  why  are  you  taking  away  the  mate- 
rials which  so  well  supported  the  gates  when  they 
were  assaulted  ?  " 

"  I  am  commander  here  and  not  to  be  questioned." 

"  That  is  hardly  according  to  our  compact,  my  Lord. 
Let  us  not,  however,  discuss  the  matter  before  the 
men,  but  in  the  council  chamber  alone  together.  I 
must  know  what  you  intend  to  do." 

"  I  have  held  my  castle  until  now  against  all  comers. 
I  will  continue  to  keep  it  in  my  own  v/ay." 

"  Your  memory  is  short,  my  Lord.  Your  castle  was 
saved  in  the  first  assault  by  my  archer.  In  the  two 
following  it  was  kept  largely  by  my  generalship,  if  I 
may  be  so  conceited  as  to  claim  as  much.  You  did 
some  stentorian  shouting,  and  some  wondrous  catapult 
practice,  which,  if  it  killed  any,  wrought  their  death 
more  by  amazement  at  the  work,  than  through  the  ac- 
curacy of  the  machines.  I  came  here  a  stranger,  but 
am  now  well  known  to  the  men,  and  they  have  confi- 
dence in  me.  If  we  must  have  deplorable  dissensions 
in  their  presence  I  will  at  once  give  command  for 
them  to  cease  work,  and  you  will  see  how  many  obey 
me.    It  is  best  not  to  force  me  to  this  extremity,  for 


BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR.    315 

if  I  am  thus  put  to  it,  you  will  give  no  more  orders  in 
this  castle.  Let  it  come  to  an  open  contest  between 
you  and  me,  and  you  will  be  amazed  to  find  that  all 
who  rally  round  you  are  Steinmetz  and  one  or  two 
others,  hirelings  at  best,  whom  you,  knowing  noth- 
ing of  men,  have  placed  above  the  others,  and  even 
they  will  at  once  desert  you  when  they  find  you 
standing  practically  alone.  Therefore,  my  Lord,  I  ask 
you  for  the  third  time  what  you  intend  to  do  ?  " 

The  cool  and  firm  insistence  of  the  Emperor  had  a 
quenching  effect  on  the  other's  anger.  The  Count  be- 
gan to  doubt  the  wisdom  of  his  hot-headed  resolve, 
for  l/C  had,  in  spite  of  himself,  a  growing  confidence 
i;  L  olph's  generalship,  and  his  bluster  was  largely 
tausid  by  the  shame  he  felt  in  placing  his  plans  before 
the  incisive  criticism  of  his  comrade  in  arms.  He 
turned  brusquely  away  from  Rodolph,  and  said, 
curtly : 

"Very  well.     Let  us  to  the  council  chamber." 

The  Emperor  followed  him,  and  was  in  turn  followed 
by  the  archer,  who  always  kept  an  eye  on  his  master, 
unless  definitely  commanded  not  to  do  so.  The  archer 
never  pretended  that  he  had  the  least  belief  in  the 
good  faith  of  Count  Heinrich,  and  it  is  likely  that 
Rodolph,  altltough  he  gave  no  utterance  to  his  distrust, 
had  as  litt  t  <i:<mfidence,  for  he  rarely  made  objection 
to  the  WiiC'  John  Surrey  kept  over  him.  Neither 
was  theii  v.  ■  i  iuce  relaxed  on  the  tower.  They  con- 
stantly incr^a  :(]  their  store  of  provisions,  and  allowed 
no  one  to  come  up  the  stair  on  any  pretence  whatever. 
When  the  archer  was  not  on  watch  in  the  tower,  Con- 
rad usually  took  his  place,  and  the  possibility  of  their 
having  to  str.nd  a  siege  within  a  siege  at  any  moment 
was  rarely  ubsent  from  the  mind  of  the  Emperor.  If 
the  intentions  of  the  Black  Count  wore  honest,  there 
was  no  ^'i.m  in  being  ready  for  the  reverse. 

When  L  S  FLmperor  and  Count  reached  the  council 
chamber  tiie  latter  turned  sharply  round  and  plunged 
at  once  into  his  explanation. 

"  I  am  ^oing  to  open  the  gates  and  sally  forth  at 


i 

I:    I 


if    ' 


1 


lli 


I  JJ  8 


-■V 


3i6 


TEKLA. 


*^^he  head  of  my  men.  I  shall  cut  their  line  and,  spar- 
ing none  who  oppose  me,  fight  as  long  as  may  be,  then 
shall  we  return  to  the  castle.  In  this  way  shall  I 
harass  them  day  by  day,  until  they  are  glad  to  raise 
the  siege." 

**  How  may  men  do  you  intend  to  leave  with  me  to 
protect  the  castle  in  your  absence  ?  " 

"  The  castle  needs  no  protection  until  I  return  to  it. 
The  Archbishops  will  find  enough  to  do  without 
troubling  Thuron.     I  shall  take  all  my  men  with  me." 

"  Have  you  made  any  computation  regarding  the 
number  of  soldiers  the  Area  ops  have  under  their 
banners?" 

"  What  has  that  to  do  with  it  ?  The  men  are  scat- 
tered north,  east,  south,  and  west  of  this  place,  and 
cannot  bp  rallied  in  time  to  harm  me." 

"  I  am,  of  course,  not  in  the  confidence  of  the  Arch- 
bishops and  cannot  tell  how  wisely  or  unwisely  their 
plans  are  laid.  Were  I  in  their  place  I  should  count 
on  just  such  a  sortie  as  you  have  proposed,  caused  either 
by  folly  or  desperation.  It  is  a  thing  a  famished  com- 
mander might  do,  or  it  might  be  done  by  one  who 
knew  no  better.  I  should  have  it  arranged  that  a 
bugle  call  would  cause  all  available  men  to  march 
instantly  over  the  hills  and  cut  you  off  from  the  gates 
before  you  could  possibly  retreat.  As  the  Archbishops 
have  a  hundred  men  and  more  to  your  one,  there  can 
be  no  possible  doubt  regarding  the  termination  of 
such  a  venture  as  yours.  You  are  as  wise  as  a  snail 
would  be  to  leave  his  shell,  and,  unarmed,  fight  a 
hawk  in  the  open.  The  castle  is  your  shell,  and 
remaining  in  it  is  your  only  salvation.  I  am  astonished 
at  the  futility  of  your  proposal." 

"  I  cannot  sit  inactive." 

"  You  must.  Otherwise  the  sane  thing  to  do  is  to  run 
up  a  white  flag  after  taking  down  your  own,  make  terms 
with  the  Archbishops  and  deliver  your  castle  to  them. 
Then  you  may  get  concessions,  but  to  sally  forth  at 
the  head  of  your  men  is  to  deliver  your  castle  at  once 
into  their  hands,  and  that  without  compensation,  for 


BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR.    317 


then  they  take  it  and  capture  or  kill  you.  It  is  the 
project  of  a  madman." 

The  Count  became  fiercely  enraged  at  this  merci- 
less criticism,  and,  almost  foaming  at  the  mouth,  smote 
his  fist  on  the  table,  crying : 

**  Our  weakness  is  not  that  we  are  outnumbered  a 
hundred  to  one.  It  is  that  we  are  one  too  many  in 
Thuron.  No  garrison  can  prosper  under  two  com- 
manders." 

"Again  you  are  mistaken.  There  are  not  two 
commanders,  but  one  only.  There  are  two  com- 
manders with  the  besiegers,  and  that  fact,  in  spite  of 
their  army's  strength,  is  probably  the  reason  the  castle 
has  not  been  taken  long  since.  There  is  but  one  com- 
mander in  Thuron,  and  I  am  he." 

**  You  lie  !  "  yelled  the  Black  Count.  "  I  am  master 
of  Thuron,  and  will  remain  so  while  a  stone  of  it 
rests  on  another." 

"  Prove  yourself  so.  The  weapons  with  which  we 
previously  fought  on  this  question  still  hang  on  the 
wall ;  only,  take  warning.  I  shall  use  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  and  not  the  flat  of  it,  upon  your  person  when 
next  I  face  you." 

"  I  shall  not  honour  you  by  fighting  with  you,  a 
nameless  stranger,  for  whose  quality  no  one  can 
vouch." 

"  I  bore  the  honour  you  formerly  bestowed  upon 
me  modestly  enough,  and  no  one  has  been  told  of 
our  encounter.  As  for  the  quality  of  my  fighting,  you 
made  no  complaint  at  the  time." 

**  I  will  imprison  you  as  an  insubordinate  traitor." 

**  I  am  even  prepared  for  that,  and  have  been  ever 
since  I  took  my  quarters  in  the  tower.  The  moment 
you  break  your  word  with  me  I  constitute  myself  my 
own  jailer,  and  will  retire  to  the  tower.  There  my 
archer  will  kill  your  adherents  one  by  one  in  the 
courtyard,  or  on  the  battlements,  or  wherever  you 
dare  show  yourselves.  I  will  haul  down  your  banner 
and  run  up  a  flag  of  truce  instead.  Then,  when  the 
envoys  of  the  Archbishop  come,  I  will  shout  to  them 


iJ 


iii 


I'J' 


1 1 


B^ 


318 


TEKLA. 


h 


i 


from  the  tower  that  we  are  commanded  by  a  madman. 
I  will  make  terms  with  them  so  far  as  the  ladies  are 
concerned,  and  will  tell  them  how  to  take  the  castle, 
as  not  one  of  your  men  dare  show  face  upon  the  walls, 
fearing  my  archer.  I  regret  being  compelled  to  show 
you  that  you  are  both  helpless  and,  at  the  same  time, 
a  fool,  but  you  would  have  it.  Now,  my  Lord,  what 
is  to  be  done?  Are  you  content  to  hold  command 
under  my  orders,  or  am  I  to  be  further  troubled  with 
your  petulance,  so  that  I  must  humiliate  you  in  the 
eyes  of  your  own  men,  depose  you  publicly,  and  per- 
haps imprison  you  in  the  castle  I  would  be  only  too 
glad  to  have  you  hold  and  keep  ?  I  must  know  de- 
finitely and  finally,  for  these  discussions  cannot  con- 
tinue." 

The  Black  Count  rested  his  shaggy  head  in  his 
hands,  and  for  a  long  time  there  was  silence  in  the 
room.  At  last  he  raised  his  blood-shot  eyes,  burning 
with  hate,  and  shot  a  question  at  Rodolph. 

"  Who  are  you?" 

"Your  master.  Take  that  for  granted  until  this 
siege  is  ended,  then  you  may  discover  you  have  not 
been  in  error.  If  you  attempt  to  fight  me  as  well  as 
the  Archbishops  the  contest  will  be  a  short  one.  In 
t  he  fiend's  name,  has  your  ill  temper  not  left  enough 
of  sense  in  your  brain  to  show  you,  even  in  your 
anger,  that  it  is  better  to  have  me  fighting  for  you  than 
against  you?  Your  persistent  stupidity  exhausts  my 
patience." 

"  What  am  I  to  tell  the  men  whom  I  have  ordered 
to  clear  the  sacks  from  the  gate  ?  Thery  will  think  me 
indeed  mad  if  I  bid  them  reverse  their  work," 

**  They  think  it  now,  as  does  every  one  with  whom 
you  come  in  contact.  When  the  grain  is  all  removed 
tell  them  to  fill  the  empty  sacks  with  earth  and  stones 
from  the  cellars,  and  to  place  them  in  position  against 
the  gates  again.  Have  this  done  whenever  a  sack  is 
emptied  in  future,  so  that  our  consumption  of  corn 
will  not  interfere  with  the  security  of  the  gates.  If 
you  have  said  to  any  one  that  you  intended  to  sally 


BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR.    319 


forth,   tell  him   now  that  you    have   changed  your 
mind." 

This  was  the  last  rebellion  of  Count  Heinrich 
against  the  usurper  within  his  gates.  The  ladies, 
when  all  met  together  for  the  evening  meal,  did  not 
suspect  that  there  had  been  any  difference  between 
the  two  men,  for  Heinrich  was  invariably  so  gruff 
towards  his  women  folk  that  his  demeanour  could 
hardly  be  made  worse  by  any  check  he  had  encoun- 
tered during  the  day,  and  Rodolph's  manner  was 
marked  by  v  deferential  equanimity  that  was  immut- 
able. 

While  they  were  seated  at  the  evening  repast  Cap- 
tain Steinmetz  entered  and  made  announcement  that 
a  holy  Palmer  was  before  the  gate  asking  admittance, 
saying  he  had  news  for  the  master  of  the  castle. 

"  Where  is  he  from  ?  How  did  he  get  through  the 
lines?"  demanded  the  Count. 

"  I  think  he  is  from  Palestine,"  replied  Steinmetz, 
"  and  he  came  through  the  lines  by  permission  of  the 
Archbishops.  He  says  he  bears  news  to  you  of  the 
Emperor." 

"  Of  the  Emperor?"  ejaculated  Rodolph, in  amaze- 
ment. 

"  Yes.  His  Majesty  is  fighting  in  the  Holy  Land, 
and  I  think  the  monk  comes  from  him  with  news  of 
his  battles." 

"  Ah  !  "  Rodolph  looked  closeiy  at  those  who  sat 
round  the  table,  but  said  nothing  further.  Tekla 
gazed  with  interest  at  the  captain ;  the  Count's  eyes 
were  bent  on  the  table,  and  his  wife  regarded  his  dark 
face  timorously. 

"  We  want  no  news  of  the  Emperor's  fighting," 
said  the  Count,  gruffly,  at  last.  "  What  matters  his 
fighting  to  us  ?  A  wise  man  goes  not  abroad  to  deal 
his  blows,  when  there  are  good  knocks  to  be  given  in 
his  own  land.  Tell  the  Palmer  we  want  none  of  his 
budget." 

"  Not  so,  my  uncle,"  cried  Tekla,  her  eyes  glowing 
with   enthusiasm,   "we  are  all  loyal  subjects  of  his 


M 


.-^0 


^>^ 


TEKLA. 


Majesty,  I  hope,  and  I  confess  I  should  like  to  hear 
how  he  prospers.  I  beg  you  to  admit  the  pious 
father." 

"  He  is  most  likely  a  pious  spy,  sent  by  the  conni- 
vance of  the  Archbishops,  whose  tool  he  is.  Their 
Lordships  desire  to  know  how  matters  stand  within 
the  fortress." 

"  Even  if  that  be  the  case,"  put  in  Rodolph,  mildly, 
"  I  should  be  the  last  to  baulk  their  curiosity.  It 
would  give  me  pleasure  to  have  them  know  that  the 
stout  Count  Heinrich  is  well,  and  has  no  fear  of 
them,  either  separate  or  united.  It  may  comfort  the 
Archbishops  to  learn  that  we  were  faring  gener- 
ously when  their  envoy  came  upon  us,  and  that  Hein- 
rich of  Thuron  thought  them,  of  so  small  account  that 
he  permitted  a  man  coming  from  their  camp  and 
through  their  lines  to  enter  his  dining  hall." 

The  Count's  eye  lit  up  for  a  momen.  as  he  glanced 
round  his  hall,  then  the  light  died  out,  gloom  came 
upon  his  brow,  and  once  more  he  bent  his  gaze  on  the 
table  in  silence. 

"  I  would  suggest,  however,  that  the  Palmer  be 
blindfolded  before  he  is  taken  up  the  ladder,  and  so 
conducted  to  the  Count's  presence.  It  may  be  pru- 
dent to  conceal  from  him  how  well  the  gates  are  barri- 
caded. If  he  actually  comes  from  the  Emperor,  I  con- 
fess, like  the  Countess  here,  I  think  so  much  of  his 
Majesty  that  I  should  dearly  love  to  have  news  of 
him.     What  say  you,  my  lord  Count  ?  " 

"  Have  it  as  you  will.  There  is  no  desire  on  my 
part  to  hear  of  his  Majesty,  so  question  the  Palmer 
as  best  pleases  you.  Admit  the  man,  Steinmetz,  but 
blindfold  him  as  has  been  suggested." 

A  few  minutes  later  the  monk  was  led  into  the  hall, 
advancing  with  caution  as  a  blind  man  does,  gropingly 
uncertain  regarding  his  footsteps,  placing  one  sandal 
tentatively  before  the  other,  as  if  he  feared  a  trap, 
although  led  by  the  captain,  who  at  last  removed  the 
bandage  from  his  blinking  eyes,  thus  bringing  him 
suddenly  from    darkness  to  light.     The  monk  bowed 


BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR.    321 

low  to  each  one  present,  then  stood  with  folded  arms, 
awaiting  permission  to  speak.  If  he  were  indeed  a 
spy  he  showed  no  indication  of  it :  his  face  was  calm 
and  imperturbable,  and  looked  little  like  the  counte- 
nance of  a  man  in  fear  of  the  fate  which  must  quickly 
have  followed  conviction  as  an  informant. 

"You  come  from  the  Holy  Land,  Father?"  began 
Rodolph. 

"  Not  so,  my  Lord.  I  come  from  Frankfort,  but 
there  has  recently  arrived  from  Palestine  a  messenger, 
who  brought  brave  tidings  from  his  noble  Majesty, 
the  Emperor  Rodolph  of  Germany." 

"  Indeed.  And  who  sends  you  forth,  or  do  you 
come  of  your  own  accord  ?  '* 

•'  I  am  sent  forth  by  the  Baron  von  Brunfels,  now 
in  Frankfort,  to  relate  intelligence  of  the  Emperor  in 
all  castles  and  camps  and  strongholds,  to  those  of 
noble  birth,  who  are,  I  trust,  loyal  subjects  of  his  Ma- 
jesty." 

"  That  are  we  all  here,  holy  father,"  cried  Tekla 
with  enthusiasm.  '' 

The  monk  bowed  low  to  the  lady. 

"  I  trust  that  the  Baron  von  Brunfels  is  well.  He 
is  a  dear  friend  of  mine,"  said  Rodolph. 

"  He  is  well,  my  Lord,  but  somewhat  haggard  with 
the  care  of  state  which  has  fallen  upon  him  in  his 
Majesty's  absence.  He  is  thought  to  be  over-anxious 
regarding  his  Majesty's  welfare ;  but  I  surmise  that 
the  news  he  has  now  received  of  him  may  bring  more 
cheerfulness  to  his  brow  than  has  been  seen  there  of 
late." 

"  Doubtless  that  will  be  the  case,"  remarked  Ro- 
dolph, with  a  deep  sigh.  "  Do  you  know  to  what 
particular  part  of  the  business  of  state  Baron  von 
Brunfels  bends  his  energies  ? "  i         .       ; 

"  Particularly  to  the  army,  my  Lord.  He  has 
greatly  increased  it,  drawing  men  mainly  from  South- 
ern Germany,  and  placing  in  command  of  them  offi- 
cers who  come  from  the  Emperor's  own  part  of  the 
country.     It  is  said  he  is  raising  a  company  of  archers. 


.  (.  i 


r^ 


322 


TEKLA. 


not  armed  with  the  cross-bow,  but  with  a  thin  weapon 
held  in  one  hand,  so  marvellously  inaccurate  that  when 
the  regiment  practices  near  Frankfort  the  people 
round  about  fly  to  their  houses,  saying  there  is  little 
security  for  life  while  that  company  is  abroad,  as  no 
prophet  can  predict  where  their  shafts  will  alight. 
Prayers  are  offered  that  this  company  be  disbanded, 
or  that  Providence  will  confer  greater  blessings  on 
their  marksmanship  than  has  hitherto  been  vouch- 
safed." 

"  Ah,  it  is  a  pity  we  cannot  lend  the  Baron  our 
good  archer,  who  would  do  more  for  the  efficiency  of 
the  company  than  much  devotion.  Does  rumour 
give  any  reason  for  this  increase  of  the  army,  or  has 
Baron  von  Brunfels  said  anything  regarding  its  pur- 
pose ?  "   , 

"  It  is  believed  that  a  large  reinforcement  will 
presently  be  sent  to  the  Emperor  in  Palestine,  when 
the  men  are  more  accustomed  to  their  duties." 

"  A  most  scandalous  waste  of  human  lives,"  cried 
the  Black  Count,  sternly.  *'  German  men  should  fight 
their  enemies  at  home  or  on  the  borders  of  German 
land.  Of  what  benefit  are  the  desert  sands  to  us, 
even  should  we  win  them  ?  " 

The  monk  seemed  shocked  at  this,  and  devoutly 
crossed  himself,  but  made  no  reply.  Tekla  flashed  an 
indignant  look  at  her  uncle,  but  spoke  instead  to 
Rodolph. 

"  My  Lord,"  she  said,  "  you  seem  more  interested 
in  the  Baron  than  in  the  Emperor.  I  wish  to  hear  of 
his  Majesty's  campaign  in  the  Holy  Land." 

"  True,  Countess,  I  had  forgotten  myself,  and  I  beg 
you  to  pardon  me.  The  Baron  is  a  very  dear  friend 
of  mine,  as  I  have  said,  but  I  will  have  speech  with 
our  visitor  later  concerning  him.  Now,  Father,  what 
of  the  Emperor?" 

"  His  Majesty,  the  Emperor,  has  proven  himself  a 
warrior  not  only  of  great  personal  bravery,  but  one 
who  is  a  redoubted  general  as  well.  He  has  displayed 
marvellous  knowledge  of  the  arts  of  war,  and  has 


',    BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR.    323 


routed  the  infidels,  horse  and  foot,  wherever  he  en- 
countered them,  scattering  them  like  chaff  before  the 
wind.  Threescore  of  their  bravest  leaders  has  he 
slain  with  his  own  hand,  until  now  his  very  name 
spreads  terror  throughout  the  land.  When  it  is 
known  he  leads  the  Christian  host,  the  Saracens  fly 
without  giving  battle,  and  cannot  be  lured  into  the 
field  to  face  him." 

"  In  God's  name,  then,"  cried  the  irate  Count, 
"  why  doesn't  he  take  Palestine  with  his  own  hand, 
and  return  so  that  he  may  reduce  at  least  two  of  his 
truculent  Princes  to  order  and  some  respect  for  him  ? 
Germany  is  languishing  for  a  ruler  of  such  prowess. 
Told  you  the  Archbishops  of  all  this  ?  " 
I  did,  my  Lord." 

"  And  what  said  they  ?  " 

"  They  prayed  that  he  might  be  long  spared  to  per- 
form such  deeds  in  the  Holy  Land,  and  are  about  to 
offer  Mass  in  honour  of  his  victories  over  the  heathen." 

"  I  can  well  believe  it.  If  masses  will  keep  him  in 
the  East  he  will  never  return  to  Germany.  I  have  no 
patience  with  such  old  wives*  tales." 

The  Count  rose  from  his  bench  and  strode  from  the 
room,  saying  to  Steinmetz  as  he  departed  : 

"  See  that  this  relator  of  fables  is  carefully  deposited 
outside  the  walls  in  the  way  he  came,  and  allow  no 
loitering  in  the  courtyard." 

"  My  Lord,"  cried  Rodolph  as  the  Count  approached 
the  door,  "  I  wish  to  have  some  converse  with  the 
good  Father  alone,  and  I  desire  to  offer  him  refresh- 
ment before  he  departs  from  us.  Have  I  your  sanc- 
tion?" 

The  Black  Count  paused  near  the  door  and  looked 
back  at  the  assemblage  before  answering.  Then  he 
said: 

"Captain  Steinmetz,  you  will  obey  his  Lordship's 
orders  as  faithfully  as  if  they  came  from  me." 

With  this  command  he  withdrew  from  the  room. 
The  ladies  also  rose  and  bent  their  heads  to  receive 
the  blessing  of  the  monk,  thanking  him  for  what  he 


ftil^l 


n 


324 


TEKLA. 


had  told  them,  and  expressing  a  wish  that  this  should 
not  be  his  last  visit  to  the  castle. 

Refreshments  were  placed  on  the  table,  to  which 
the  monk,  on  being  invited,  devoted  himself  with 
right  ^ood  will.  Rodolph  requested  Captain  Stein- 
m  itz  to  leave  them  alone  together. 

"  Are  you  the  only  messenger  Baron  von  Brunfels 
sends  forth  from  Frankfort  ?  "  asked  Rodolph. 

"  No,  my  Lord,  there  are  many  of  us.  One  goes 
east,  another  west,  and  so  in  all  directions.  It  is  the 
desire  of  Baron  von  Brunfels  that  the  people  know  as 
speedily  as  possible  of  the  deeds  done  by  their  brave 
Emperor." 

"A most  loyal  and  laudable  intention, which  will  be 
well  carried  out  if  all  the  messengers  are  as  faithful 
and  competent  as  you  are,  Father.  Do  you  return 
instantly  to  Frankfort  ?  " 

"  No,  my  Lord.  I  go  now  up  the  Moselle  to 
Treves,  and  so  back  in  a  southerly  direction  to  the 
capital." 

"  I  ask  you,  then,  to  change  your  plans,  and  return 
forthwith  to  Frankfort." 

"  'Twould  be  contrary  to  the  orders  of  my  Lord  of 
Brunfels.     I  dare  not  disobey  him." 

"  Neverthclcivs,  I  request  you  to  do  so,  and  I  give 
you  my  assurance  that  you  wil!  be  the  most  welcome 
visitor  the  Baron  has  received  this  many  a  day,  and 
that  he  himself  will  tell  you  so,  blessing  you  for  your 
disobedience." 

**  If  the  news  you  have  to  send  is  so  important  to 
him,  I  might  venture  to  change  my  route,  but  as  I 
shall  have  to  suffer  if  a  mistake  is  made,  while  you  are 
safe  in  this  castle,  I  must  judge  of  the  importance  of 
your  message  by  hearing  it." 

"  Friendship  lends  importance  to  tidings  that  may 
seem  trivial  to  a  stranger.  The  Baron  is  my  most  in- 
timate friend,  therefore  I  ask  of  you  to  remember 
carefully  and  relate  accurately  what  I  have  to  send 
him.  Tell  him  the  silk  merchant  whom  he  accom- 
paiied  to  Treves  is  well,  and  is  now  in  Castle  Thuron." 


.     BRAVE  NEWS  OF  THE  EMPEROR.    325 

"  I  carry  not  news  of  silk  merchants,  but  of  Em- 
perors," cried  the  monk  resentfully,  for,  despite  his 
calling,  even  his  humility  was  offended  by  the  sudden 
descent  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  in  a  country 
where  rank  was  so  greatly  esteemed. 

"  Remember,  Father,  that  the  founder  of  our  Holy 
Church  was  the  son  of  a  carpenter." 

"  He  was  the  Son  of  God." 

"  Most  true,  but  reputed  to  be  what  I  say,  and  his 
Apostles  were  poor  fishermen.  Therefore  it  may  well 
be  that  when  you  carry  news  of  a  silk  merchant  you 
are  no  less  ignoble  a  messenger  than  when  you  carry 
news  of  an  Emperor.  Tell  the  Baron  the  silk  mer- 
chant sends  him  greeting,  and  asks  him  to  persevere  in 
the  augmenting  of  the  army,  which  the  silk  merchant 
hopes  will,  from  its  very  strength  and  efficiency,  prove 
to  be,  not  an  engine  of  war,  but  an  assurance  of  peace. 
T«  be  thus  eflfective,  however,  it  must  be  undeniably 
s  ger  than  any  forces  that  may  combine  against  it. 
Sa_y  that  the  West  and  the  North  have  combined, 
which  fact  he  probably  already  knows.  The  Baron  is, 
therefore,  not  to  interfere  in  any  struggle  that  may  be 
going  on,  but  rather  to  keep  a  close  watch  upon  it, 
and  to  have  everything  ready  when  a  command  is  sent 
him.  Have  you  given  strict  heed  to  my  message, 
good  Father?     Repeat  it  to  me." 

**  Baron  von  Brunfels  is  to  be  made  aware  that  the 
silk  merchant  who  accompanied  him  to  Treves  is  at 
present  in  Castle  Thuron.  The  army  is  to  be  increased 
and  made  more  efficient.  The  West  and  the  North 
have  combined,  which  I  take  to  mean,  that  Europe  is 
as  one  against  the  Saracen,  and  that  the  Emperor's 
army  is  to  be  made  stronger  than  the  combination,  so 
that  when  he  gives  the  command,  he  will  be  at  the 
head  of  a  force  superior  to  all  others  sent  out,  and 
may  thus  bring  the  war  to  an  end  without  further 
blood  being  shed,  through  the  mere  terror  of  his 
name,  supplemented  by  an  army  so  redoubtable." 

"  I  beg  you  to  colour  not  your  message  with  your 
own  explanations  but  to  attend  more  strictly  to  the 


326 


TEKLA. 


exact  words  I  give  you.  Say  that  when  further  news 
of  the  Emperor  comes  to  him,  he  is  to  send  you  again 
to  Castle  Thuron,  and  he  may  give  you  instructions 
that  will  be  for  my  ear  alone.  You  will,  therefore,  be 
careful,  if  you  value  the  good  opinion  of  the  Baron,  to 
keep  strictly  apart  the  message  for  me  and  the  general 
intelligence  which  you  recite  to  the  Archbishops. 
Say  that  the  silk  merchant  is  in  safe  quarters,  and 
thinks  it  better  to  make  no  premature  attempt  to 
leave  Thuron.  The  main  thing  at  present  is  to  get 
together  as  many  troops  as  will  outnumber  two  to  one 
the  forces  of  the  West  and  the  North.  All  this  is  not 
done  in  a  day.  Do  you  go  back  to  the  Arch- 
bishops? "  ,  ? 

"  No,  my  Lord.  I  intended  to  journey  up  the 
Moselle." 

"  Are  you  afoot  ?  " 

"  The  Baron  von  Brunfels,  wishing  me  speed,  gave 
me  a  horse,  to  which  I  am  only  now  becoming  accus- 
tomed. I  left  it  at  the  village  below  in  care  of  a  sol- 
dier, it  being  my  intention  to  travel  to-night  to  the 
valley  of  the  Brodenbach,  and  rest  at  the  castle  of 
Ehrenburg." 

"  Ehrenburg  can  wait  for  its  news  of  the  Emperor. 
Go,  therefore,  up  the  Brodenbach  valley  as  v/as  your 
first  determination,  but  continue  on  past  the  castle 
until  you  come  to  the  Frankfort  road.  Rest  then  if 
yea  must,  but  know  that  the  sooner  you  reach  Frank- 
fort the  better  v/ill  you  please  the  Baron." 

Rodolph  called  to  Steinmetz,  who  again  blindfolded 
the  monk,  and  accompanied  by  Emperor  and  captain 
the  Palmer  was  set  once  more  outside  the  walls,  and 
disappeared  in  the  night  down  the  hill  towards  Aiken. 


r^- 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 

"FOR  YOUR  LOVE   I   WOULD   DEFY   FATE." 

The  Countess  Tekla  spent  the  greater  portion  of 
her  time  waiting  upon  her  aunt,  who,  never  having 
known  a  true  friend  in  her  Hfe  before,  clung  to  the 
girl  with  a  pathetic  insistence,  unhappy  if  Tekla  was 
out  of  her  sight.  The  natural  positions  of  the  two 
seemed  reversed ;  the  elder  woman  leaning  depend- 
ently  on  the  younger,  and  looking  to  her  for  protec- 
tion, as  a  child  looks  to  its  mother.  When  Tekla  was 
busy  in  the  courtyard  garden  her  aunt  would  sit  on  the 
balcony  and  watch  her  every  movement  with  a  dumb, 
tender  affection  that  was  most  touching.  The  elder 
rarely  spoke,  and  never  smiled  except  when  Tekla 
looked  up  to  her  with  a  smile  on  her  own  pretty  lips. 

Rodolph  often  wished  the  aunt  were  not  quite  so 
much  the  shadow  of  the  niece,  but  there  was  such  love 
between  the  two  women  that  he  never  ventured  to  sug- 
gest to  Tekla  his  hope  that  he  might  be  permitted  now 
and  then  to  enjoy  her  companionship  unshared.  He 
worked  with  her  in  the  garden,  and  often  said  that  he 
expected  to  make  horticulture  his  occupation  when 
the  siege  was  over,  so  expert  had  he  become  under 
the  charming  instruction  of  his  fair  teacher. 

When  winter  intervened,  and  the  spring  earner  ;a!n, 
Rodolph  jokingly  suggested  that  they  should  plant 
grain  instead  of  flowers,  as  there  was  still  no  sign  that 
the  Archbishops  were  becoming  tired  of  their  under- 
taking. The  second  winter  passed,  and  a  second 
spring  found  the  living  line  around  the  castle  still  in- 
tact, thus  Rodolph's  former  jest  began  to  take  a  grim- 
mer meaning,  for  provisions  were  indeed  running  low, 
and  the  two  years'  supply,  which  seemed  at  first  al- 


■;;■;  f 


rt 


328 


TEKLA. 


I    I 


m 


^  most  inexhaustible,  was  now  coming  to  an  end,  yet 
not  a  pound  of  wheat  or  a  gallon  of  wine  had  succeeded 
in  getting  through  the  cordon  drawn  by  the  stubborn 
Archbishops.  Rodolph  had  counted  on  a  quarrel  be- 
tween the  two  commanders  ere  this,  but  there  was  no 
indication  of  dissension  in  the  opposing  camp.  The 
bitter  persistence  of  the  siege  he  laid  to  the  account  of 
the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  and  in  this  he  was  right. 
There  was,  however,  one  grain  of  consolation  in  its 
continuance  ;  so  long  as  the  armies  of  the  Archbishops 
were  encircling  Thuron,  they  were  out  of  mischief 
elsewhere,  and  the  rest  of  Germany  was  at  peace, 
Rodolph  could  not  help  thinking  that  if  it  came  to  a 
fight  the  troops  would  hardly  be  as  warlike  as  they 
had  shown  themselves  two  years  before,  when  the 
siege  began,  for  the  sound  of  revelry  came  up  each 
night  fitjm  the  camp,  and  the  idle  men  were  industri- 
ously drinking  their  thousand  gallons  of  wine  each 
day,  which  tended  more  to  hilarity  than  discipline. 
Nevertheless,  they  held  tightly  to  the  castle,  and 
there  was  no  relaxing  of  the  lines  that  surrounded  it. 
On  several  occasions  attempts  were  made  to  get 
through  by  one  or  other  belonging  to  the  garrison,  but 
in  each  case  without  success.  The  deserters  were 
turned  back,  the  officers  refusing  even  to  make  pris- 
oners of  them. 

Meanwhile  the  Emperor  periodically  received  news 
from  the  capital,  and  was  compelled  also  to  listen  to 
long-winded  mythical  accounts  of  his  own  bravery  in 
the  East,  which  did  much  credit  to  the  fictional 
power  of  the  romancer  in  Frankfort  who  put  the 
stories  together.  When  at  last  it  was  reported  to 
him  that  the  army  centred  in  Frankfort,  and  at  other 
points  within  easy  call  of  the  capital,  was  fit  to  cope 
successfully  with  all  opposition,  the  Emperor  resolved 
to  quit  the  castle  by  stealth  if  possible,  and  if  that 
proved  impracticable,  to  send  word  when  next  the 
monk  came,  telling  Brunfcls  to  lead  the  army  in  person 
up  the  Moselle  and  raise  the  siege  of  Thuron.  His 
hope,  however,  was  to  get  away  from   the  castle  and 


FOR  YOUR  LOVE  I  WOULD  DEFY  FATE.  329 


himself  give  the  command  to  the  Archbishops  to  cease 
their  warfare. 

But  another  matter  occupied  his  mind,  almost  to 
the  exclusion  of  the  great  affairs  of  state,  which  should 
perhaps  have  had  his  undivided  attention,  because  of 
their  paramount  importance.  This  interest  held  him 
a  willing  prisoner  in  Thuron,  and  it  may  be  some  ex- 
cuse for  his  inaction — for  his  reluctance  in  showing 
himself  a  real  and  not  a  nominal  Emperor — that  he 
was  less  than  thirty  years  of  age.  Before  he  quitted 
Thuron,  therefore,  he  desired  to  know  whether  the 
Countess  Tekla  regarded  him  as  a  dear  friend  or  a 
dearer  lover.  It  was  his  right  to  come  at  the  head  of 
his  army  and  demand  the  girl,  for  even  if  she  had, 
when  sorely  pressed,  rebelled  against  being  bestowed 
upon  an  equal  in  rank  and  wealth  in  the  person  of 
Count  Bertrich,  yet,  whatever  her  personal  inclina- 
tions might  be,  she  could  not  deny  the  suit  of  the 
Emperor,  were  he  as  ugly  as  Calaban,  as  old  as 
Methuselah,  and  as  wicked  as  Beelzebub.  Such  a  re- 
fusal would  have  been  unheard  of  under  the  feudal 
law,  and  would  certainly  not  have  been  allowed  by 
the  upholders  of  it.  But  Rodolph  was  in  the  lind  to 
keep  all  prerogatives  of  his  position  for  other  purposes, 
and  trust  to  his  own  qualities  in  pursuing  the  course 
that  Cupid  had  marked  out  for  him.  If  the  girl  cared 
nothing  for  him  as  Lord  Rodolph,  he  would  not  ask  her 
to  bestow  her  affection  upon  the  Emperor. 

The  moon  was  shining   brightly  over  the  Moselle 
valley  when  he  determined  to  escape  from  the  castle, 
and  as  he  had  resolved  to  take  the  archer  and  Conrad 
with   him,  not  only  as  a  bodyguard,  but  in  orde^'tW^t' 
there  might   be  less   demand   on  the   aLm6^t '  ii^i/jtV^ 
larder  of  the  castle,  he  had  to  wait  foi^  a'HJM  Wfifeh^ 
the  moon  was  obscured,  or  until  it  grew^oIBbran(f  f|f>s'^ 
later.     It  would  be  impossible  forth^  W^^^bf'tlHiti^  f6^' 
get  away   when    night  was  as   lig;Jff{''^3^^idayV'^^defea 
experience    had    proved    the    {ut\tW  ^r^^WM^* 
attempting  to  quit  the  stronghfeM'V'ttlt/iHy'Eriiyeror, 
was  imbued  with   the  belicrVhfrt  ^hfe^c'b'iiM^^et^ed^ 


m 


I  I 


4 


330 


TEKLA. 


I'i  ': 


where  others  had  failed.  The  archer  had  formulated 
a  plan  for  their  escape  in  conjunction  with  his  friend 
Roger  Kent,  who  was  now  on  guard  at  a  portion  of 
the  line  in  the  Thaurand  valley  after  midnight,  and 
although  Surrey  had  had  as  yet  no  chance  of  consulting 
his  friend,  he  surmised  there  would  be  little  difficulty 
in  persuading  him  to  turn  a  blind  eye  and  a  deaf  ear 
up  the  valley  for  a  few  minutes  to  accommodate  an 
old  comrade. 

Things  were  at  this  pass  when,  one  afternoon, 
Rodolph  was  with  the  Countess  Tekla  in  the  garden 
while  the  girl's  aunt  sat  on  the  balcony  watching  them. 

"  My  Lady,"  said  Rodolph,  in  a  low  voice,  "  I  have 
serious  complaint  to  make  of  you." 

"  Of  me,  my  Lord,"  asked  the  girl,  in  surprise, 
glancing  swiftly  up  at  him. 

"  Yes,  'Countess.  While  we  have  each,  even  to 
Count  Heinrich  himself,  taken  turns  in  keeping  watch 
and  ward  on  the  battlements,  you  have  never 
shouldered  pike  and  marched  up  and  down  the  pro- 
menade. Yet  is  there  reason  for  that.  Your  doing 
so  would  attract  rather  than  repel  the  enemy,  so 
perhaps  wc  were  wise  in  allowing  you  to  work  in  the 
garden  instead.  Still,  you  should  at  least  encourage 
those  on  guard,  and  as  this  promises  to  be  a  beautiful 
night,  and  as  I  pace  the  battlements  until  the  stroke 
of  twelve,  I  beg  of  you  to  come  upon  the  parapet 
soon  after  our  evening  meal  and  bear  me  company 
for  an  hour  or  so.  I  make  it  a  question  of  duty,  if  I 
cannot  persuade  you  else." 

"  I  am  not  one  to  shirk  from  duty,"  said  the 
Cpjijm^ess,  brightly,  "  so  upon  that  basis  will  I  assist 
\i\9j^^9^li  ^^^  invaders.  Besides,  I  wish  to  see  the 
py  h^l;]:^p^^  4Lf^^  moonlight,  and  have  long  desired 
rpn^^f^.j^ji^jt^.|t>attlements,  and  would  have  done 
J^jejjn^jjtf'iJ^ajljjnot  my  uncle  forbidden  it.  But 
jjjj\^as„Wg^ir^9e5ifind  perhaps   he  apprehends  no 

JiorJiftfi'PfftP^ftf  ^^(^3 '9.^^^  ^^  ^"^  quietest  street  m 
^Ji^wi^Jm§'^'W  M^^^^y^"^  that  the  valley  in  the 


FOR  YOUR  LOVE  I  WOULD  DEFY  FATE.   331 

moonlight  is  most  lovely  and  well  worth  gazing  upon. 
I  may,  then,  look  forward  to  your  coming  ?  "         | 

"Yes,  unless  my  uncle  or  aunt  object." 

"  They  will  not  object,  especially  if  you  do  not  ask 
their  permission,  which  I  beg  you  not  to  do.  Just 
make  the  venture,  and  I  will  guarantee  that  no  one 
will  have  aught  to  say  against  your  presence  on  the 
platform  of  the  west  wall." 

And  thus  it  came  about  that  the  Countess  Tekla, 
with  a  fleecy  white  scarf  thrown  over  her  fair  head, 
reaching  down  to  her  waist,  looking  as  if  it  had  been 
woven  from  the  moonbeams  themselves,  walked  on 
the  stone  terrace  that  night  with  Lord  Rodolph  of 
Hapsburg,  and  then  was  the  time,  had  the  Archbishops 
been  looking  for  a  favourable  opportunity  of  attack, 
to  charge  upon  the  fortress,  for  never  since  the  world 
began  was  watch  so  carelessly  kept  in  ancient  strong- 
hold, as  when  these  two  young  people  guarded  grim 
Castle  Thuron. 

"  This  reminds  me  of  another  night,"  said  Rodolph. 
"  The  moon  shone  as  brightly,  and  the  river  flowed 
on  as  peacefully  under  its  mild  radiance.  Does  your 
recollection  join  with  mine  ?  " 

"  Yes.     It  was  the  night  we  left  Treves." 

"Together." 

Tekla  looked  up  at  him,  then  gently  murmured  a 
repetition  of  the  word. 

"  It  was  an  idyllic  voyage,"  he  continued,  "  whose 
remembrance  lingers  as  does  the  fragrance  of  a  pre- 
cious flower.  Its  dangers  seem  to  have  faded  away, 
and  only  the  charm  remains.  The  recollection  of  it 
is  like  a  beautiful  dream  :  a  vision  of  Heaven  rather 
than  an  actuality  of  earth." 

The  Countess  Tekla  paused  in  her  walk,  and  clasp- 
ing her  hands  over  her  breast,  gazed  up  the  valley  at 
the  winding  ribbon  of  silver  far  below,  the  glamour 
and  soft  witchery  of  the  moonlight  in  the  lustre  of 
her  eyes. 

"  There  can  be  nothing  more  beautiful  in  the  world 
than  the  Moselle,"  she  said,  slowly. 


332 


TEKLA. 


"  It  is  indeed  an  enchanted  river,  but  that  night  it 
looked  upon  a  beauty  superior  to  its  own." 

"  I  shall  not  pretend  ignorance  of  your  meaning, 
my  Lord,  and  so  take  the  compliment  to  myself,  un- 
deserving of  it  though  I  may  be.  But  my  treatment 
of  you  then  was,  I  fear,  a  sad  blemish  on  whatever 
of  beauty  I  may  possess.  I  see  you  now  standing  on 
the  rock  by  the  margin  of  the  stream,  to  which  my 
petulance  and  suspicion  unwarrantably  banished  you. 
I  often  think  of  my  injustice,  pain  mingling  with 
pleasure  in  the  remembrance,  which  is  unaccountable, 
for  I  should  dwell  on  the  incident  with  regret  only, 
yet  it  passes  my  comprehension  that  I  experience 
felicity  in  conning  it  over.  You  looked  like  an  indig- 
nant god  of  the  Moselle,  standing  there  silent  in  the 
moonlight,  and  even  although  I  deeply  distrusted  you 
then — y6u  must  remember  I  had  not  seen  you  until 
that  moment — I  felt  as  if  I  were  a  culprit,  refusing  to 
pay  just  toll  as  I  floated  on  the  river  you  guarded." 

"  Ah,  Countess,  payment  deferred  makes  heavy 
demand  when  time  for  settlement  ultimately  comes. 
The  river  god  now  asks  for  toll,  with  two  years' 
interest,  compounded  and  compounded,  due." 

"  Alas  !  "  cried  the  Countess,  arching  her  eyebrows, 
and  spreading  out  her  empty  hands,  accompanying  the 
word  with  a  little  nervous  laugh,  *'  I  fear  I  am  bank- 
rupt. Should  this  siege  succeed,  as  it  seems  like  to 
do " 

"  What  siege,  my  Lady  ?  " 

"  The  siege  of  Castle  .Thuron,"  she  answered,  look- 
ing sideways  at  him.     "  Is  there  another?  " 

**  I  had  another  in  my  mind  at  the  moment.  I  trust 
that  it  too  will  be  successful,  or  rather  that  it  will  be 
successful  and  the  Archbishops'  effort  fail.  But  if 
Thuron  falls,  what  then,  my  Lady  ?  " 

"  Then  am  I  bankrupt,  for  my  lands  will  be  con- 
fiscated and  other  grievous  things  may  happen.  With 
lands  and  castles  gone,  how  can  I  pay  the  river  god 
his  fee,  even  were  he  generous  to  forego  his  rightful 
interest,  twice  or  thrice  compounded  ?  " 


if 


FOR  YOUR  LOVE  I  WOULD  DEFY  FATE.  333 

*'  The  gods,  my  Lady,  traffic  not  in  castles  nor  in 
lands.  Were  these  tendered,  free  of  fee  or  vassalage, 
your  river  god  would  value  them  no  more  than  the 
lump  of  rock  he  stood  upon,  and  would  proclaim  to 
all  the  Moselle  valley  his  charge  was  still  unsatisfied." 

"  Then  he  is  no  god,  but  a  Frankfort  usurer." 

"  That  he  is  indeed,  my  Lady ;  rapacious,  exacting, 
demanding  that  to  which  he  has  no  rightful  claim,  yet 
still  demanding.  And  worse  than  any  mortgage 
broker,  because  he  knows  no  debt  has  been  incurred, 
but  the  reverse,  for  such  slight  service  as  he  rendered 
v/as  a  pleasure  to  him,  and  he  knew  himself  deeply  the 
debtor  in  that  it  was  accepted  of  him.  And  yet,  my 
Lady,  this  confessed  cozening  knave  implores  recom- 
pense so  far  above  his  merits,  that  there  is  this  to  say 
in  his  behalf :  his  tongue,  more  modest  than  his 
thoughts,  hesitates  to  formulate  in  words  his  arrogant 
petition.  I  stand  here  landless  and  castleless,  but  I 
hope  a  gentleman,  and  if  any  man  question  that  I  am 
as  noble  as  the  Archbishop  himself  I  will  dispute  his 
contention  with  my  sword  ;  brushing  aside  all  thought 
of  the  possessions  that  may  come  to  you  or  to  me,  are 
you  content,  my  Lady  Tekla,  to  place  your  hand  in 
my  empty  palm  and  say,  *  Rodolph,  I  take  you  for  my 
future  husband  '  ?  " 

He  stood  with  both  hands  outstretched,  and  she  a 
little  distance  from  him,  her  head  bowed,  once  ven- 
turing to  dart  a  swift  glance  at  him,  again  scrutinising 
the  silent  stones  lying  in  the  moonlight  at  her  feet. 
Then  suddenly  she  placed  both  her  hands  in  his,  and 
cried  breathlessly : 

"  Rodolph,  Rodolph,  it  were  a  foolish  bargain  for 
you,  and  I  cannot  have  it  so.  Wait,  wait  a  little,  till 
I  know  whether  I  have  what  should  be  mine  ;  whether 
I  am  to  be  as  poor  as  any  village  maiden  in  Aiken 
yonder ;  then  ask  me,  Rodolph.  In  either  case  ask 
me  then,  and  I  will  answer  you." 

"  No,  Tekla,  answer  me  now — now." 

"  You  are  young,  Rodolph.  Oh,  why  must  I  be  wise 
for  two  ? — your  way  is  to  make,  and  I  must  not  retard 


ill 


I -I 
If" 


tl 


334 


TEKLA. 


i 


your  career.  You  join  a  tottering  house :  my  only 
relative  cannot  hold  his  own  with  his  single  sword. 
I  feel  disaster  hovering  over  us,  and  yet  so  shallow 
a  maid  am  I,  that  I  came  joyously  forth  to  be  with 
you  on  this  promenade,  unheeding  of  impending 
calamity.  Think  what  you  do,  my  Lord :  the 
powerful  Archbishops  are  your  enemies,  and  there 
is  no  kin  of  mine  to  befriend  you.     Wait,  wait,  wait." 

"  I  have  already  waited — for  two  years  have  I 
waited ;  I  want  my  answer  now,  Tekla." 

"  No,  no.  This  madness  is  of  the  moonlight. 
They  say  the  moon,  when  it  shines  brightly — our  talk 
of  the  river  spirits  has  made  us  blind  to  practical 
things,  and  so  I  seem  to  be  myself  one  of  the  Rhine 
maidens  who  lure  men  on  to  destruction.  I  will  not 
be  the  Lorelei  of  the  Moselle.  Let  me  go,  my  Lord  : 
I  should  not  have  come  here  to  the  battlements  in 
the  moonlight,  for  reason  has  fled  from  us.  You  shall 
not  blight  your  noble  career  for  one  so  ill-fated  as  I. 
See  what  I  have  already  done.  My  uncle  besieged 
this  two  years,  and  now  certain  of  defeat.  You  im- 
prisoned here  when  you  should  have  been  making 
your  way  in  the  East,  or  in  German) ,  where,  with  your 
bravery,  your  name  would  have  rung  throughout  the 
land.  I  will  not  embroil  you  with  the  Archbishops, 
and  perhaps  with  the  Emperor  himself.  Go  forth, 
Lord  Rodolph,  from  this  doomed  house,  and  come  to 
me,  if  you  still  wish,  when  I  shall  not  retard  you." 

"  My  career  I  shall  look  to  with  satisfied  mind  and 
heart,  if  first  I  have  assurance  from  you  that  all  is 
well  with  my  love.  I  have  no  fears  for  my  future.  I 
willingly  stayed  my  career  at  a  single  sight  of  you,  for 
I  came  to  Treves  to  see  the  Archbishop,  and  not  to 
look  upon  the  Countess  Tekla.  It  seems  to  me  amaz- 
ing that  there  ever  was  a  time  when  I  had  to  say  to 
my  comrade,  *  Who  is  she  ?  *  yet  such  was  indeed  the 
case,  for  when  I  should  have  been  gazing  at  Arnold 
von  Isenberg,  my  thoughts  and  glances  were  all  for 
the  lady  who  rode  by  his  side.  My  being  in  the  skiff 
was  no  accident,  as  you    thought,  but   the  result   of 


FOR  YOUR  LOVE  I  WOULD  DEFY  FATE.  335 


careful  planning,  with  a  craft  worthy  of  Arnold  him- 
self. I  came  here  willingly,  eagerly,  and  not  through 
inadvertence,  and  Thuron  never  held  so  complacent  a 
prisoner,  nor  one  who  so  welcomed  captivity  as  I,  less 
held  by  its  adamantine  walls  than  by  your  silken  bond- 
age, if  my  glad  restraint  merit  so  harsh  a  name. 
Tekla,  I  love  you  at  dawn,  at  mid-day,  in  darkness,  or 
in  moonlight ;  all's  one  to  me.  How  is  it  with  you, 
my  lady  of  the  silver  light  ?  " 

**  Oh,  with  me,  with  me,  Rodolph,  what  need  to 
answer  that  which  all  may  see  so  plainly?  What 
need  for  you  to  ask,  when  every  glance  that  fell  from 
my  eyes  upon  you  must  have  betrayed  me  ?  Oh,  my 
knight  of  the  water-lapped  rock,  I  loved  you  ever  since 
first  I  saw  you  standing  there,  flinging  your  abandoned 
sword  at  my  feet,  for  the  protection  of  one  so  cruel  and 
unjust.  And  now  must  my  foolish  fondness  drag  you 
down  with  me  into  the  torrent  that  may  overwhelm 
us  both  ?  Rodolph,  Rodolph,  I  cry  to  you  beware,  for 
I  cannot  protest  longer,  and  am  so  selfish  that,  for 
your  love,  I  would  defy  fate ;  so  ungenerous  that  while 
my  lips  warn  you  my  heart  hopes  you  will  not  heed. 
Oh,  Rodolph,  I  have  loved  you  since  the  world  began." 

The  young  man,  suddenly  releasing  her  imprisoned 
hands,  clasped  the  girl  unresisting  to  him  and  on  her 
trembling  dewy  lips  pressed,  long  and  tenderly,  their 
first  kiss ;  she,  with  a  deep  sigh,  closing  her  eyes,  ?,nd 
resigning  herself  to  his  tenderness.  For  him,  no  less 
than  for  her,  the  moment  was  supreme,  and  it  seemed 
as  if  the  world  had  faded  from  them  and  they  stood 
alone  in  delirious  space  together.  The  tent  of  the 
Archbishops,  precursor  of  the  great  Cathedral,  shone 
white  in  the  moonlight,  looking  in  calm  unconscious- 
ness at  the  plans  of  its  august  builders  crumbling  to 
pieces,  through  the  action  of  a  man  and  woman. 


ml  yi 

mm 


I).  ^ 


■^^- 


f 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION  TO  A  LOVER'S  MEETING. 


Not  on  the  battlements  alone  did  lovers  meet.  At 
nearly  the  same  hour  of  the  night  after  the  ill-kept 
guard  on  the  promenade,  Conrad  set  forth  to  greet 
Hilda,  as  had  been  his  custom  for  many  evenings  dur- 
ing the  past  two  years.  The  girl  stole  quietly  up 
among  the  sadly  trampled  grape  vines  to  a  corner  of 
the  castle  which  the  two  had  made  their  own.  There 
was  an  ^ngle  in  the  wall  under  the  northern  to\ver 
which  was  in  darkness  whether  the  moon  shone  or  no, 
and  above  this  stone  alcove,  the  machicolated  wall 
gave  Conrad  an  opportunity  for  descent  unseen, 
which  would  not  have  been  possible  from  the  promen- 
ade itself,  except  on  dark  nights.  Here  he  placed  his 
rope,  and  thus  he  slipped  silently  down  to  meet  the 
girl  who  crept  up  from  the  village  for  the  pleasure  of 
holding  whispered  converse  with  him.  When  it  had 
become  evident  that  the  castle  was  to  be  starved  into 
submission,  there  was  no  further  talk  of  Hilda  return- 
ing to  her  old  service.  The  girl  would  at  least  have 
plenty  to  eat  in  the  village,  which  could  not  be  guar- 
anteed to  her  in  the  castle,  and  although  Hilda  would 
have  run  the  risk  of  starving  had  she  been  allowed  to 
return,  the  Countess  herself  felt  she  could  not,  in 
justice  to  those  beleaguered  with  her,  allow  the  tire 
woman  to  leave  her  present  lodging. 

Of  late,  although  they  stood  in  the  shadow,  Hilda's 
sharp  eyes  noted  the  ever-increasing  gauntness  of 
Conrad,  who,  like  all  within  the  castle,  except  the 
two  ladies,  was  placed  on  short  rations,  and  at  last 
the  girl  brought  up  with  her,  without  saving  anything, 
cakes  of  her  own  baking  from  the  village,  and  although 
at  first  Conrad  thought  of  sharing  his  good  fortune 


1 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION. 


337 


with  his  comrades,  reflection  showed  him  that  this 
could  not  be  done  without  endangering  the  secret  of 
their  rendezvous.  Thus  their  retreat  in  the  secluded 
embrasure  of  the  silent  walls  had  become  a  nocturnal 
picnic,  Hilda  watching  her  lover  with  tender  solici- 
tude while  he  ate,  sure  for  one  night  at  least  he  should 
not  starve.  She  begged  him  to  let  her  come  oftener, 
but  he,  fearing  discovery,  would  not  permit  this,  for 
her  passing  through  the  lines  too  frequently  might 
raise  suspicion  in  the  camp,  where  the  greatest  pre- 
cautions were  taken  to  permit  no  supplies  to  pass  the 
cordon,  in  which  task  the  besiegers  were  amazingly 
successful. 

Their  time  of  meeting  was  early  in  the  evening, 
while  the  Count  and  his  household  were  at  their  last 
meal  of  the  day,  as  at  that  hour  there  was  less  chance 
of  interruption,  and  there  was  also  the  advantage  that 
Hilda  could  return  to  Aiken  before  it  grew  late. 

Conrad  had  finished  his  welcome  repast  and  the  two 
stood  in  the  darkness  together,  the  gloom  perhaps 
made  the  more  intense  because  it  contrasted  so  strongly 
with  the  sloping  hillside  flooded  with  bright  moon- 
light, when  Hilda's  quick  ear,  ever  on  the  alert  for  a 
sound  on  the  wall  above  or  the  earth  beneath  them, 
heard  a  stealthy  step,  and  she  whispered  suddenly : 

"  Hush  !  Some  one  is  approaching  along  the  west 
side." 

They  remained  breathless  a  few  moments  listening, 
and  Conrad  was  about  to  say  he  heard  nothing,  when 
round  the  corner  came  a  muffled  stooped  figure,  which, 
although  it  was  in  darkness  itself,  stood  out  like  a 
black  silhouette  against  the  moonlit  hills  opposite. 
With  a  thrill  of  fear  Conrad  recognised  the  evil  face 
of  Captain  Steinmetz,  peering  with  anxious  eyes  ahead 
of  him,  luckily  not  in  their  direction,  but  towards  the 
plantation  that  clothed  the  hillside  where  the  vineyard 
ended.  At  first  he  thought  the  captain  had  discovered 
something  of  the  meeting  in  the  corner,  but  it  was 
soon  evident  that  officer  had  no  suspicion,  thinking 
himself  entirely  alone. 


!  I 


338 


TEKLA. 


The  two  stood  there  in  acute  suspense,  with  Stein- 
metz  before  them,  almost  within  touching  distance, 
did  Conrad  but  reach  out  his  hand.  While  they  trem- 
bled thus,  scarce  daring  to  breathe,  they  saw  emerging 
from  the  plantation,  two  figures,  also  cloaked,  who 
paused  at  the  edge  of  the  wood,  and  on  the  captain 
giving  utterance  to  a  low  sibilant  sound  like  the  soft 
hissing  of  a  serpent,  the  two  darted  quickly  across  the 
band  of  moonlight  and  stood  beside  the  captain  in  the 
shadow  of  the  great  north  tower. 

"  Have  you  brought  the  money  ? "  were  the  first 
words  of  Steinmetz,  spoken  under  his  breath,  but  as 
distinctly  heard  by  Conrad  and  his  companion  as  by 
those  to  whom  the  remark  was  addressed. 

"  We  have  brought  three  bags  of  it.  Captain,"  said 
the  foremost  man.  **  The  rest  will  be  given  you  when 
the  castle  is  ours." 

"  But  that  is  not  according  to  the  bargain,"  protested 
Steinmetz. 

"  It  is  according  to  the  command  of  the  Archbishop," 
replied  the  other,  with  a  shrug  of  his  shoulders.  "  His 
Lordship  is  under  the  impression  that  you  can  trust 
him  with  quite  as  much  faith  as  he  can  trust  you.  If 
you  deal  fair  and  honourably  towards  us,  there  will  be 
no  fear  that  you  will  be  cozened  out  of  the  rest  of  the 
money.  If  not — well,  you  will  be  three  weighty  bags 
of  gold  to  the  good,  but  I  warn  you,  there  will  be  little 
opportunity  of  enjoying  it,  for  the  Archbishop  will  ex- 
act stern  interest  when  the  castle  ultimately  falls,  as 
fall  it  must." 

"  A  bargain  is  a  bargain,"  muttered  Steinmetz,  in  no 
good  humour. 

"  The  Archbishop  will  keep  it,  and  if  you  stand  by 
your  word,  the  remainder  of  the  money  will  be  paid 
you  to-morrow  night.  So  that  is  not  long  to  wait,  for 
you  will  have  but  small  chance  of  spending  it  in  the 
interval.  Your  hesitation  gives  colour  to  the  Arch- 
bishop's suspicions  that  you  intend  to  play  him  false. 
I  would  I  were  so  sure  of  as  much  gold  in  so  short  a 
time,  if  you  mean  fair." 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION. 


339 


"  Oh,  I  mean  fair  enough,  and  will  take  the  gold,  but 
I  like  not  this  distrust  of  a  man's  motives." 

"  It  is  remarkable,"  replied  the  other,  nonchalantly, 
"  that  the  Archbishop  should  be  suspicious  of  you.  I 
confess  I  do  not  understand  it  myself,  but  I  am  simply 
the  messenger,  and  merely  lay  down  the  orders  of  my 
master.     Do  you  take  the  money  ?  " 

"  Yes,  unless  you  now  say  you  have  forgotten  to 
bring  it,  and  that  I  must  deliver  up  the  castle  for 
nothing,  and  whistle  for  payment." 

"  No ;  the  gold  is  here.  You  accept  the  Arch- 
bishop's lerms,  then  ?  " 

"  Yes,  since  it  is  his  will  to  drive  so  cautious  a  bar- 
gain." 

The  other  turned  to  his  fellow  and  took  from  him 
three  well-filled  bags,  each  about  half  the  size  of  a 
man's  head,  and  these  he  passed  to  the  captain,  who 
concealed  them  under  his  cloak.  When  the  folds  of 
the  cloak  liad  fallen  over  and  covered  the  treasure,  the 
ambassador  of  the  Archbishop  said  : 

"  What  are  your  final  instructions  regarding  the 
assault  on  the  castle  ?  " 

"  I  have  caused  to  be  removed  from  the  gates  the 
bags  of  sand  and  earth,  for  I  have  had  communication 
with  the  Black  Count,  telling  him  there  is  no  fear  of 
an  attack,  and  that  we  must  hold  ourselves  in  readi- 
ness, before  hunger  too  much  weakens  us,  to  open  the 
gates  and  sally  forth  to  cut  our  way  through  the 
lines,  and  so  escape.  In  this  he  agrees  with  me,  and 
even  while  I  speak  the  gates  are  free,  and  may  be 
opened  by  any  one  from  the  inside.  If  you  have 
your  men  in  readiness  to-morrow  night  when  the  bell 
tolls  twelve,  taking  care  to  keep  them  unseen  and 
under  cover  in  the  forest  before  the  gates,  until  about 
an  hour  after  midnight,  when  the  moon  begins  to 
throw  the  shadow  of  the  wood  nearly  to  the  wall,  you 
can  approach  silently  and  with  caution,  when  you  will 
find  the  gates  push  open  at  a  touch.  We  change 
guard  at  midnight,  and  it  may  be  half  an  hour  after 
that  time  before  I  will  have  opportunity  to  undo  the 


'  li'i: 


■',  KiJ 

■ ;  i'-i 

1  5'  1 


340 


TEKLA. 


X 


V 


bars  and  bolts  and  leave  the  gates  swinging  freely.  I 
shall  give  orders  to  the  sentinel  to  keep  himself  at  the 
end  of  the  battlements  near  this  tower,  still  it  will  be 
as  well  if  you  observe  caution  until  you  are  in  the 
castle.  I  shall  dispose  the  men-at-arms  within  so  that 
you  need  not  fear  much  opposition,  for  th'^y  are  at 
best  half  starved,  and  will  have  little  pluck  to  fight ; 
but  it  is  best  to  secure  at  once  the  body  of  the  Count, 
who  may  otherwise  rally  them  and  give  you  more 
trouble  than  you  look  for.  With  reasonable  luck,  and 
all  precaution,  there  need  not  be  a  blow  struck,  but  if 
you  bungle  and  raise  a  premature  alarm,  you  are  like 
to  stir  a  hornet's  nest,  unless  you  secure  at  once  ]Mack 
Hcinrich  and  the  young  man  Rodolph,  whois  his  lieu- 
tenant, and  who  can  fight  like  the  fiend  himself.  He 
it  was  who  brought  the  Countess  Tekla  from  Treves, 
and  I  th^nk  the  Archbishop  will  be  glad  to  have  hold 
of  him,  and  should  give  me  extra  pay  for  his  capture." 
Conrad  had  stood  with  dropped  jaw,  listening  to 
this  black  treachery  so  calmly  enunciated  by  the  cap- 
tain, whose  oath  laid  it  upon  him  to  protect  the  lives 
of  those  he  was  thus  coolly  selling  for  gold.  Conrad 
remained  motionless  until  the  reference  to  the  capture 
of  his  master  was  made,  then,  forgetting  where  he  was 
and  the  great  need  of  secrecy,  he  strode  forward  before 
Hilda  could  restrain  him  and  cried,  his  voice  quiver- 
ing  with  anger : 

"  You  traitorous  devil !  Captain  Judas  !  " 
The  three  men  jumped  as  if  the  Black  Count  him- 
self had  unexpectedly  sprung  upon  them,  each  whip- 
ping out  his  sword.  Hilda,  with  if  moan,  sank  almost 
senseless  to  the  ground  at  the  angle  of  the  walls,  where 
she  lay  unnoticed.  Corrad  being  unarmed,  saw  that 
he  would  have  no  chance  against  three,  whose  swords 
were  already  at  his  throat,  so  he  sprang  aside  from 
the  well  swung  blade  of  the  captain,  flung  himself  on 
one  of  the  Archbishop's  men,  and  wrested  his  weapon 
from  him,  the  other,  baffled  by  the  darkness  and  be- 
wildered by  the  suddenness  of  the  crisis,  was  thus 
unable  to  come   to  the  assistance   of  his  colleague. 


A  GRIM  INTERRUITION. 


1 


341 


Defending  himself   from   the   onslaught   of   Captain 
Steinmctz,  Conrad  raised  his  voice  and  shouted  : 

"  Help !    Turn  out  the  guard  !  Treason  !  Treason  !  " 

Along  the  top  of  the  battlements  were  heard  the 
hurried  footsteps  of  the  sentinel,  who  cried  as  he  ran : 

"  An  attack !     To  arms ;  to  arms  !  " 

The  keen-witted  captain  saw  that  not  a  moment 
was  to  be  lost,  or  destruction  would  fall  on  him.  He 
turned  savagely  to  the  envoys  and  said  : 

"  Fly  at  once.  Leave  me  to  deal  with  this.  You 
must  not  be  seen." 

The  ambassadors,  nothing  loth  to  be  quit  of  a  situa- 
tion so  unforeseen  and  so  dangerous,  fled  to  the  planta- 
tion and  disappeared.  Steinmetz  easily  parried  the 
blows  of  Conrad,  who  was  unused  to  the  handling  of 
a  sword,  and  when  the  sentinel  looked  over  the  wall, 
the  captain  said,  sternly  and  authoritatively : 

"  Cease  your  foolish  shouting.  Open  the  gates 
and  send  me  here  six  armed  men  as  quickly  as  possi- 
ble. Then  come  and  stand  on  the  wall  at  this  corner. 
I  have  other  commands  for  you." 

"Shall  I  call  his  Lordship  the  Count?" 

"  No.  Obey  at  once,  and  attend  strictly  to  what  I 
have  said  to  you." 

The  sentinel  departed,  trailing  his  pike  behind  him. 
A  few  moments  later  the  six  men  with  drawn  swords 
canie  running  along  the  western  wall,  to  the  spot 
where  their  master  was  holding  off  the  infuriated 
Conrad. 

"  Seize  this  traitor,"  cried  Steinmetz,  "and  gag  him. 
Then  conduct  him  to  the  courtyard,  where  he  is  to  be 
hanged  forthwith.  Sentinel,  search  the  battlements 
and  find  the  ladder  by  which  this  rascal  got  out  of  the 
fortress." 

The  six  men,  with  their  gagged  prisoner,  now 
marched  back  the  way  they  had  come.  Captain  Stein- 
metz, pleased  with  his  own  resourcefulness  in  a  diffi- 
cult situation,  striding  after  them. 

"  Here  is  the  rope  dangling  from  the  parapet," 
shouted  the  sentinel. 


i!| 


f.     %\ 


M 


,/'! 


342 


TEKLA. 


i 


"  Then  bring  it  with  you  to  the  courtyard.     I  have 
use  for  it,"  cried  the  captain,  over  his  shoulder. 

Hilda,  moaning  hysterically,  yet  fearful  she  would 
discover  herself,  crouched  along  the  wall  in  the 
shadow,  following  the  cortege  marching  to  the  open 
gates.  She  was  shrewd  enough  to  recognise  the  fact 
that  if  she  was  to  save  her  lover  she  must  act  quickly, 
and,  if  possible,  get  to  the  Black  Count  himself,  or  fail- 
ing him,  to  Rodolph.  She  knew  there  could  be  no 
appeal  to  Captain  Steinmetz,  who  must  kill  the  witness 
of  his  treachery,  and  that  speedily,  if  he  were  to  save 
his  own  head.  She  slipped  in  behind  the  procession 
before  the  gates  were  closed,  and  kept  craftily  in 
the  rear  of  the  excited  throng  who  crowded  round  the 
prisoner  and  their  captain.  She  saw  the  sentinel  com- 
ing down  from  the  battlements  with  the  fatal  rope  in 
his  hand,  and  heard  as  in  a  dream  the  captain  telling 
his  indignant  followers  of  their  comrade's  treachery. 
Waiting  to  hear  no  more  the  girl  ran  like  a  hare,  easily 
unseen,  for  all  attention  was  being  paid  to  the  cap- 
tain's words,  while  curses  were  muttered  against  the 
gagged  and  helpless  man,  to  the  main  doorway  and  up 
the  stair,  nearly  upsetting  Surrey,  who  came  out  of 
the  great  hall  with  some  trenchers  in  his  hand.  The 
Count  sat  moody  at  the  head  of  the  table,  with  the 
others  in  their  usual  positions.  To  their  surprise, 
there  burst  in  upon  them  a  wild,  dishevelled,  frantic 
creature,  whom,  at  the  moment,  none  of  them  recog- 
nised. 

"  Oh,  my  Lord  !  My  Lord  !  "  she  cried  ;  '*  they  are 
hanging  Conrad  in  the  courtyard.  Oh,  my  Lord,  save 
him  !     Save  him  !  " 

The  Black  Count  started  up  in  sudden  anger,  and 
roared  with  an  oath  : 

"What  if  they  are?  He  deserves  it,  I  doubt  not. 
Get  you  gone.  How  dare  you  come  screeching  here 
like  a  night  owl  ?  Take  this  beldame  away  to  a  mad 
house  !  "  he  shouted  to  the  archer,  who  had  entered, 
anxious  to  learn  wiiat  exciting  event  was  going  for- 
ward. 


w 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION. 


343 


"It  is  Hilda!  It  is  Hilda!"  cried  the  Countess 
Tekla,  springing  to  her  feet,  and  rushing  to  the 
frightened  girl.  "  Hilda,  what  is  it  ?  Speak  calmly. 
You  are  safe  here." 

"Oh,  my  Lady,  it  is  Conrad  who  is  in  danger. 
Sa.ve  him.,  save  him.-  L  canriot  talk  or  it  v.-ilr  be -too  - 
late.  Steinmetz  is  hanging  him.  The  captain  sold 
the  castle  to  the  Archbishop,  and  Conrad  saw  it  done. 
Therefore  h*"  ;  >  killing  Conrad.  Oh,  make  haste,  my 
Lord." 

"  What  is  that  ?  "  roared  the  Black  Count.  "  Stein- 
metz a  traitor?    It  is  a  lie  !  " 

"  Let  us  see  to  it  at  once,  my  Lord,"  said  Rodolph, 
sternly.  "The  thing  does  not  seem  to  me  so  in- 
credible." 

Count  Heinrich  grasped  a  naked  sword,  and  with 
it  in  his  hand,  strode  to  the  door  bareheaded  as  he 
was,  his  great  shock  of  shaggy  coal-black  hair  seeming 
to  bristle  in  anger.  Rodolph,  also  picking  up  a  sword, 
quickly  followed  him.  The  Count  jangled  down  the 
stone  steps,  and,  emerging  into  the  courtyard,  beheld 
a  striking  scene.  Notwithstanding  the  bright  moon- 
light, part  of  the  courtyard  was  in  darkness,  and  men 
stood  there  holding  lighted  torches  above  their  heads, 
whose  yellow  flaring  rays  mingled  strangely  with  the 
pure  white  beams  of  the  moon.  The  g  ites  were  now 
shut,  and  the  space  within  the  walls  was  clamorous 
with  excited  men,  most  of  whom  were  gazing  upward 
at  a  man  astride  a  piece  of  timber  that  projected  from 
the  castle  wall,  bidding  him  make  haste.  He  had  the 
rope  between  his  teeth,  and  was  working  his  way  to 
the  end  of  the  beam,  somewhat  over-cautious,  perhaps 
fearing  a  fall  on  the  hard  flags  beneath.  Steinmetz, 
who  shot  forth  curt  commands,  palpably  nervous  with 
impatience,  feeling  the  necessity  for  a  regular  execu- 
tion before  witnesses,  yet  cursing  the  inevitable  slow- 
ness of  the  proceedings,  kept  an  eye  on  the  doorway, 
and  was  thus  the  first  to  see  the  coming  of  the  Black 
Count,  whose  mottled  face  in  the  glare  of  the  torches 
looked  like  a  death's  head.    The  captain  started,  and 


i 


i    ^ 
i!  ■  ii 

H         Kit 


M 


A    ■  ■ 


344 


TEKLA. 


I 


clenched  and  unclenched  his  hands  in  an  agony  of 
anxiety,  yet  he  knew  his  master  could  have  no  sus- 
picion of  the  real  state  of  the  case,  and  he  counted  on 
his  impulse  to  hang  the  man  first  and  make  inquiry 
after.  It  was  not  the  Count's  coming  he  so  much 
feared  as  that  of  the  man  who  followed  him,  for  he 
knew  the  cool  mastery  of  Lord  Rodolph,  who  would 
perhaps  insist  on  the  ungagging  of  the  prisoner,  and 
the  hearing  of  his  version.  If  then  he  could  get  Con- 
rad partly  throttled  while  making  explanations  to  his 
master,  all  might  yet  be  well,  even  were  the  gag  re- 
moved, and  so  after  the  first  spasm  of  surprise  at  the 
unexpected  coming  of  the  Black  Count,  he  breathed 
easier,  casting  an  evil  eye  on  Rodolph,  ready  to  resent 
his  interference,  and  to  inflan  e  the  Count  against  him, 
if,  as  he  rightly  surmised,  there  was  not  too  great  a 
liking  between  the  two.  Conrad  swayed  slightly  from 
side  to  side  as  he  stood  bound  and  gagged,  the  loop  of 
the  rope  round  his  neck.  His  face  was  ghastly  in  its 
pallor,  and  looked  as  if  life  had  already  left  it,  the 
wanness  of  its  appearance  being  heightened  by  a  trickle 
of  blood  which  flowed  down  his  chin  from  the  spot 
where  the  rude  putting  in  of  the  gag  had  cut  his  lip. 

The  tall  nobleman  came  forward  with  martial  stride, 
his  men  falling  into  immediate  silence  as  they  noticed 
his  presence  among  them.  When  he  spoke  it  was 
with  a  level  calmness  for  which  Rodolph  was  not  pre- 
pared, after  the  outburst  that  almost  immediately  pre- 
ceded it  in  the  hall.  The  Count  looked  lowering  at 
his  officer,  and  said  : 

"  What  have  we  here,  Captain  Steinmetz?  " 
"  A  traitor,  my  Lord.  I  have,  for  some  time,  sus- 
pected him,  and  to-night  kept  watch  upon  him.  He 
slipped  down  the  walls  by  this  rope  which  the  sentinel 
but  a  few  moments  since  found  there.  I  came  upon 
him  trafficking  with  two  emissaries  of  the  Archbishop, 
and  when  I  called  to  the  sentinel,  all  three  fell  upon 
me.  This  man  himself,  when  the  guards  came  to  my 
rescue,  was  fighting  with  a  sword  belonging  to  the 
Archbishop.     My  lieutenant  here,  who  disarmed  him, 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION. 


345 


informs  me  that  it  is  a  Treves  blade,  and  he  will  tell 
you  that  he  took  it  from  him." 

"  That  is  true,  my  Lord,"  said  the  lieutenant,  when 
the  Count  darted  a  piercing  glance  at  him. 

"  In  what  is  this  man  a  traitor,  Captain  Steinmetz?  " 
next  asked  the  Black  Count,  still  speaking  with  moder- 
ation. 

"  I  heard  him  agree  to  deliver  up  the  castle  to  the 
Archbishop's  troops,  letting  them  come  over  the  wall 
by  the  same  rope  which  he  had  used,  while  he  himself 
stood  sentry,  and  delivered  us  up  by  giving  no  alarm." 

"  Why  this  haste  with  his  execution.  Captain  Stein- 
metz ?  Am  I  not  still  Lord  of  Thuron,  with  the 
power  of  life  and  death  over  those  within  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  Lord,  but  if  we  are  to  be  free  from  treach- 
ery, sharp  punishment  should  fall  on  the  offender.  I 
myself  caught  him  red-handed,  and  my  lieutenant,  as 
he  has  told  you,  took  from  him  a  traitorous  sword  of 
Treves.  For  less  than  that,  I  cut  off  the  head  of  a 
better  man  before  the  siege  began." 

"  True,  so  you  did.  This  man  has  sold  us,  then  ? 
Search  him,  and  let  us  see  at  how  much  we  are  valued 
by  their  august  Lordships." 

Two  men  at  a  nod  from  the  Count  fell  upon  Conrad 
and  brought  forth  all  there  was  to  be  found  on  him,  a 
pitiful  handful  of  small  coins.  These,  at  the  Count's 
command,  the  searchers  poured  into  the  huge  open 
palm  of  his  Lordship,  who  looked  closely  at  the  pieces, 
demanding  that  a  torch  be  held  near  him,  while  he 
made  the  examination. 

When  it  was  finished  the  inspector  thrust  forth  his 
open  hand  toward  the  captain,  saying: 

"  This  is  not  traitorou  5  money.  Every  coin  has  my 
own  eflfigy  on  it,  which,  if  unlovely,  is  still  honest  ? 
What  say  you  to  that,  Captain  Steinmetz  ?  " 

"  My  Lord,  the  money  was  not  paid  to  him,  but  pro- 
mised when  the  castle  was  delivered." 

**  Ah,  Captain  Steinmetz,  there  your  own  good 
heart  deceives  you.  You  know  so  little  of  treachery 
that  you  think  all  men  equally  innocent.    That  is  not 


■    ;    .11 


346 


TEKLA. 


the  way  of  the  world,  honest  Steinmetz,  for  a  traitor 
is  ever  a  suspicious  villain,  and  demands  not  a  few 
paltry  pieces  of  silver,  but  the  yellow  gold  paid  in 
hand.  Strike  a  traitor,  Captain  Steinmetz,  and  he 
jingles  with  gold." 

As  the  Black  Count  spoke  his  voice  gradually  rose 
to  a  tone  of  such  menace  that  more  than  one  standing 
near  him  trembled,  and  a  paleness  of  apprehension 
swept  over  the  captain's  hardened  face.  Heinrich, 
with  a  sweep  of  his  hand,  scattered  the  coins  clatter- 
ing to  the  stones,  and  with  the  flat  of  his  drawn 
sword  struck  the  captain  quickly,  first  on  one  side, 
then  the  other.  An  intense  stillness  pervaded  the 
courtyard ;  every  man  seemed  transformed  into  stone, 
and  stoo'^i  there  motionless,  dimly  perceiving  that 
something  ominous  was  in  the  air,  yet  not  under- 
standing the  drift  of  events.  As  each  blow  fell,  a  chink 
of  coins  broke  the  silence.  The  captain  half  drew  his 
own  sword,  and  cast  a  quick  glance  over  his  shoulder 
at  the  gates. 

"The  gates  are  closed,  Steinmetz,"  roared  the 
Count,  losing  all  control  of  himself  in  his  wild  rage. 
"  Lieutenant,  see  that  they  are  securely  barred  and 
guarded.  Pikes  here!  Lower,  and  surround  this 
traitor." 

The  lancemen  jumped  alertly  at  the  word  of  com- 
mand, and  instantly  a  bristling  array  of  levelled  pikes 
circled  the  doomed  captain,  who,  seeing  the  game  vas 
up  and  escape  impo^i^ILl-,  folded  his  arms  across  his 
breast  and  stood  there  making  no  outcry. 

"  Unbind  this  man.  Take  the  gag  from  his  mouth 
and  the  rope  from  his  neck.  Now,  fellow,  is  it  true 
that  you  were  outside  the  walls?  What  were  you 
doing  there?  " 

Conrad  stood  speechless,  apparently  in  a  dazed  con- 
dition, looking  about  him  like  one  in  a  dream,  but 
when  the  Emperor  spoke  kindly  to  him,  he  moistened 
his  dry  lips,  and  drew  the  back  of  his  hand  across  his 
chin. 

"What  did  you  say?"  he  asked,  turning  his  eyes 
upon  his  master. 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION. 


347 


"  My  Lord,  the  Count,  wishes  to  know  if  it  is  true 
that  you  were  outside  the  walls,  and  asks  why  you 
were  there." 

"  I  went  to  meet  Hilda,  who  had  come  up  from 
Aiken." 

"  Then  you  disobeyed  orders,  and  have  deserved  the 
fright  you  ^ot,"  broke  in  the  Count.  "  How  came 
you  with  a  Treves  blade?" 

"  I  wrested  it  from  one  of  the  Archbishop's  men 
when  the  captain  fell  on  me.  I  tried  to  defend  my- 
self and  called  for  the  guard,  but  when  it  came  it 
arrested  and  gagged  me." 

"  What  is  the  truth  of  this  selling  of  the  castle  ?  " 

"  The  captain  was  to  unbar  the  gates  an  hour  after 
guard-changing  to-morrow  night,  and  the  Archbishop's 
troops  were  to  enter  silently.  He  told  them  to  be 
certain  to  secure  your  Lordship  first,  otherwise  you 
might  rally  the  men  and  defeat  the  soldiers,  even 
though  they  got  inside." 

The  Black  Count  almost  smiled  as  he  heard  this 
compliment  paid  him,  and  he  cast  a  malignant  glance 
at  the  silent  captain. 

"  Yes,"  he  cried,  "  the  opening  of  the  gates  seems 
more  likely  than  the  climbing  of  the  wall.  Now 
search  Steinmetz  as  you  searched  his  prisoner,  and  let 
us  see  what  you  discover.  I  think  I  heard  the  chime 
of  coin  in  his  neighbourhood." 

Without  resistance  the  searchers  brought  forth  the 
three  bags  of  gold,  one  of  which  the  Count  tore  open, 
pouring  the  yellow  pieces  into  his  palm  as  he  had 
done  with  Conrad's  silver.  His  eyes  lit  up  again  with 
the  insane  frenzy  which  now  and  then  shone  in  them, 
as  he  gazed  down  at  the  coins,  on  each  of  which  was 
the  head  of  his  old  enemy,  Arnold  von  Isenberg. 
Scattering  the  money  from  his  hand  as  if  it  had  sud- 
denly become  red  hot,  he  seized  the  three  bags  one 
after  another  and  dashed  them  in  fury  on  the  stones, 
where  they  burst,  sending  the  gold  like  a  shower  of 
sparks  from  a  smith's  anvil  all  over  the  courtyard. 
Men's  eyes  glittered  at  the  sight,  but  suci*  was  their 


\'-^M^ 


Mi 
11  ill 

5':  If 


348 


TEKLA. 


terror  of  the  Black  Count  that  no  one  moved  a  muscle 
as  this  wealth  rolled  at  their  feet. 

"  Steinmetz,"  shouted  the  Count,  "  draw  your  sword 
and  cast  it  on  the  stones.  No  man  can  take  it,  for 
none  amongst  us  is  so  low  and  vile  but  he  would  be 
contaminated  by  the  touch  of  it." 

Captain  Steinmetz  drew  his  sword  and  flung  it 
ringing  at  his  master's  feet.  The  Count  stamped  on 
it  near  the  hilt  and  shattered  the  blade  like  an  icicle. 
Turning  to  the  followers  he  cried  : 

"  You  see  this  man  has  sold  us.  What  should  be 
the  fate  of  such  a  traitor  ?  " 

With  one  voice  the  men  shouted : 

"  He  should  be  hanged  with  the  rope  he  designed 
for  the  other." 

The  Count  pondered  a  moment  with  lowering  brows, 
then  said,  his  face  as  malignant  as  that  of  a  demon : 

"  Not  so.  My  good  brother  of  Treves  has  bought 
him,  and  I  am  too  honest  a  trader  to  cheat  the  holy 
Archbishop,  God  bless  him,  of  his  purchase.  We 
shall  bind  our  worthy  captain  and  straightway  deliver 
him,  as  goods  duly  bargained  for,  to  his  owner,  von 
Isenberg.  Tear  off  his  cloak  and  bind  him,  1-eaving 
his  legs  free  that  he  may  walk." 

Surprise  and  delight  gleamed  in  the  captain's  eyes. 
Merely  to  be  delivered  to  the  Archbishop  of  Treves, 
was  getting  well  out  of  a  predicament  he  had  come 
to  look  upon  as  fatal.  In  spite  of  their  fear  of  the 
master  of  Thuron,  there  were  murmurs/at  this  unex- 
ampled clemency,  and  Rodolph  gave  voice  to  the 
general  feeling. 

"  I  think,  my  Lord,  that  his  treachery,  not  to  speak 
of  his  usage  of  an  innocent  man,  is  inadequately  pun- 
ished by  simply  handing  him  over  to  the  Archbishop, 
who  assuredly  will  not  molest  him  further." 

But  the  Count  made  no  answer.  When  the  elbows 
of  the  criminal  were  securely  bound,  Heinrich  said : 

"  Lieutenant,  select  a  dozen  of  your  best  catapult 
men  as  guard  to  the  prisoner.  Bring  with  you  the 
rope   and   take  this   Archbishop's  man   under  close 


A  GRIM  INTERRUPTION. 


349 


be 


watch  to  the  top  of  the  north  tower.  Let  a  torch- 
bearer  precede  us.  Follow  us,  my  Lord  Rodolph,  and 
you,  fellow,  who  came  so  near  to  hanging." 

When  they  reached  the  top  of  the  north  tower, 
Captain  Steinmetz,  with  sudden  premonition  of  his 
fate,  now  for  the  first  time  cried  aloud  for  mercy,  but 
the  Count  paid  no  heed  to  him.  From  this  tower 
could  best  be  descried  the  awful  depth  of  the  Thau- 
rand's  chasm,  made  the  more  terrible  by  the  partial  il- 
lumination of  the  moon  adding  a  seeming  vastness  to 
the  gulf,  which  the  clearer  light  of  day  dispelled.  The 
profound  and  narrow  valley  appeared  gloomy  and  un- 
fathomable, and  on  the  opposite  height  above  it 
gleamed  the  great  white  tent  of  the  Archbishops. 

"  Bend  back  the  catapult,"  commanded  the  Count. 

The  stalwart  men  threw  themselves  on  the  levers, 
and  slowly  worked  back  the  tremendous  arms  of  the  en- 
gine, which  bent  grudgingly,  groaning  from  long  disuse. 
At  last  the  claw-like  clutches  which  held  the  incur- 
vated  beams  in  place  until  released  by  a  jerk  of  the 
rope,  snapped  into  position,  and  the  catapult  men,  ris- 
ing and  straightening  their  backs  from  the  levers, 
drew  hand  across  perspiring  brow. 

"  Take  up  the  rope,"  said  the  Count  to  Conrad,  who 
with  visible  reluctance  lifted  the  release  rope,  and 
stood  holding  it. 

"  Now  force  this  traitor's  head  between  his  knees. 
Double  up  his  legs,  and  tie  him  into  a  ball.  The 
Archbishop  must  not  complain  that  we  deliver  goods 
slovenly." 

Steinmetz  screamed  aloud,  and  cried  that  such 
punishment  was  inhuman ;  even  the  guard  hesitated, 
but  an  oath  from  the  Black  Count  and  a  fierce  glare 
flung  about  him,  put  springs  into  their  bodies,  and 
they  fell  on  their  late  captain,  smothering  his  cries, 
jamming  down  his  head  as  they  had  been  directed  to 
do,  finally  tying  him  into  a  bundle  that  looked  like 
nothing  human.  The  wails  of  the  doomed  man  in 
this  constrained  position  would  have  cried  mercy  to 
any  less  savage  than  the  Count. 


i; 


"i     i 


I 


\ 


i 


„    J  IS 


350 


TEKLA. 


"Place  him  on  the  catapult." 

Two  men  picked  him  up  and  flung  him  into  the  jaws 
of  the  waiting  monster  with  as  little  ceremony  as  if  he 
were  a  sack  of  corn. 

"  Pull  the  rope,  fellow." 

Conrad  stood  motionless,  gazing  with  horror  at  the 
furious  Count. 

*'  Stop,  stop,"  cried  Rodolph.  "  I  protest  against 
this  cruelty.  It  is  never  your  intention  to  launch  him 
into  eternity  in  such  ghastly  fashion.  This  is  fiendish 
torture,  not  justice." 

The  Count,  with  the  snarl  of  a  wild  beast,  sprang 
forward,  seized  the  rope  from  Conrad's  nerveless  fin- 
gers, jerked  the  mechanism  loose  before  any  could 
move  to  prevent  him,  and  the  great  beams  shot  out 
like  the^rmsof  a  man  swimming.  The  human  bundle 
was  hurled  forth  into  space,  giving  vent  to  a  long  con- 
tinued shriek,  that  struck  terror  into  every  heart  but 
that  of  the  man  who  stood  with  the  rope  in  his  hand, 
his  exultant  face  turned  triumphantly  upward  in  the 
moonlight.  The  shriek,  continually  lessening,  rose 
and  fell  as  the  victim's  head  revolved  round  and  round 
in  its  course  through  the  air. 

The  human  projectile  disappeared  long  before  it 
reached  the  earth,  and  every  one  stood  motionless 
awaiting  the  crash  which  they  thought  would  come  to 
them  in  the  still  night  air  across  the  valley,  but  the 
Count  sprang  forward,  and  standing  at  the  parapet, 
shook  his  clenched  fist  toward  the  sky,  filling  the 
valley  with  a  madman's  laughter  which  came  echoing 
back  to  them  from  the  opposite  cliffs,  as  if  there  were 
in  the  hills  a  cave  full  of  malignant  maniacs. 

"  There,  Arnold  von  Isenberg,"  he  roared,  "  the 
gold  is  in  my  courtyard ;  the  merchandise  is  in  your 
camp." 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


THE   BLACK  COUNT  S  DEFIANCE. 


During  the  two  years  that  the  siege  lasted,  the 
Archbishops  did  not  remain  in  their  camp  on  the 
heights  as  pertinaciously  as  their  soldiers  had  to  cling 
to  the  line  around  the  castle.  Konrad  von  Hochsta- 
den  spent  much  of  his  time  at  Cologne  and  Arnold 
von  Isenberg  in  Treves.  Frequent  messengers  kept 
the  latter  aware  that  nothing  in  particular  was  hap- 
pening, but  the  former  had  no  such  interest  in  the 
progress  of  the  contest,  and  was  content  to  visit  the 
camp  at  widely  infrequent  intervals.  The  Lord  of 
Cologne  became  somewhat  tired  of  being  reminded  by 
his  colleague  that  the  siege,  as  then  conducted,  was 
following  the  lines  laid  down  by  himself,  and  not  those 
which  would  better  have  pleased  the  more  aggressive 
Lord  of  Treves.  Whenever  Konrad,  grudging  the 
expense  and  inconvenience  of  keeping  so  many  of  his 
men  in  an  occupation  so  barren  of  results,  grumbled 
at  the  fruitlessness  of  their  endeavours,  the  other 
called  his  attention  to  the  fact  that  this  bloodless 
method  of  conquest  originated  not  in  Treves  but  in 
Cologne.  All  this  tended  towards  irritation,  and  the 
communications  between  the  two  allies  'vere  marked 
by  an  acerbity  that  was  as  deplorable  as  it  was  inevi- 
table. 

In  reply  to  the  complaints  of  the  Archbishop  of 
Cologne,  his  friend  of  Treves  advised  him  to  lay  the 
corner-stone  of  his  Cathedral,  and  progress  with  its 
construction,  leaving  the  conduct  of  the  siege  to  those 
more  eager  for  war  than  for  the  building  of  churches, 
but  Konrad  von  Hochstaden  held  that  he  could  not 
begin  such  an  edifice  while  his  hands  were  imbrued 


I'  *,■ 


352 


TEKLA. 


with  blood.  Arnold  replied  cynically  that  in  so  far 
as  that  was  concerned  his  Lordship  might  go  on 
with  his  architecture,  for  the  siege  was  as  bloodless  as 
a  pilgrimage.  When  nearly  two  years  had  been  con- 
sumed in  sitting  before  Thuron,  the  Archbishop  of 
Cologne  declared  his  patience  exhausted,  and  sent  a 
message  to  Treves  with  the  announcement  that  he 
would  appear  in  camp  on  a  certain  day  and  return  to 
Cologne  with  his  men  behind  him.  This  message 
brought  Arnold  von  Isenberg  from  Treves  to  the  camp 
some  days  in  advance  of  his  partner,  and  as  he  was 
himself  tiring  of  the  contest,  he  opened  negotiations 
with  Captain  Steinmetz  for  the  betrayal  of  the  castle. 
The  money  was  sent  on  the  day  that  his  Lordship  of 
Cologne  arrived,  and  next  night,  or  the  night  after,  at 
latest,  th^  Archbishop  of  Treves  expected  to  have  the 
Black  Count  at  his  mercy. 

The  two  Princes  met  that  day  at  dinner,  and  greeted 
each  other  with  somewhat  distant  courtesy.  As  the 
meal  went  on,  and  the  wine  flagons  were  emptied  with 
greater  frequency,  conversation  became  less  reserved 
and  more  emphatic  than  during  the  earlier  part  of  the 
feast.  The  wine,  so  far  from  producing  friendlinc-s 
between  the  august  confederates,  had  rather  an  oppo- 
site effect,  and,  as  the  hum  of  conversation  deepened 
into  one  continuous  roar,  there  was  an  undertone, 
acrid  and  ominous,  of  enmity  and  distrust.  At  the 
long  table  there  were  perhaps  thirty  men  on  each  side. 
The  chair  at  the  head  of  the  board  was  empty,  for  such 
was  the  jealousy  between  the  two  dignitaries  that 
neither  would  concede  to  the  other  the  right  to  sit 
there  if  both  were  present.  When  either  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves  or  his  brother  of  Cologne  was  in 
camp  alone,  he  sat  in  the  chair  of  state  at  the  head  of 
the  table,  but  now  one  had  his  place  on  the  right 
hand  side  and  the  other  sat  facing  him.  Next  to 
Treves  was  Count  Bertrich,  after  him  the  secretary  of 
the  Archbishop,  then  down  the  table  on  that  side  were 
all  the  various  officers  of  Treves,  according  to  their 
rank.     In  like  manner  the  followers  of  the  Archbishop 


•      THE  BLACK  COUNT'S  DEFIANCE.     353 

of  Cologne  were  placed,  and  thus  there  were,  fronting 
each  other,  two  hostile  rows  of  drinking  men,  theoreti- 
cally allies.  As  the  wine  flowed  freely,  the  assemblage 
resembled  two  lines  of  combatants,  who  only  waited 
the  disappearance  of  the  table  from  between  them  to 
fly  at  each  other's  throats.  Exception,  however,  must 
be  made  of  Arnold  von  Isenberg  himself,  whose  atti- 
tude was  coolly  and  scrupulously  correct,  and  in  the 
heated  throng  he  was  the  only  one  who  maintained 
control  over  voice  and  gesture ;  who  answered  ques- 
tions quietly  and  put  them  with  careful  moderation  of 
speech.  Yet  it  would  have  been  difficult  for  an  un- 
prejudiced observer  to  understand  thoroughly  the  mo- 
tives that  actuated  the  astute  Archbishop  of  Treves, 
for  while  his  own  example  had  a  restraining  effect  on 
the  impulses  of  his  men,  and  as  a  matter  of  fact  on  his 
opponents  as  well,  he  would,  when  matters  seemed 
about  to  mend,  interject  some  sneering,  cutting  phrase, 
all  the  more  unbearable  because  it  was  peacefully  ut- 
tered, sometimes  with  a  glimmer  of  a  smile  about  his 
thin  lips,  that  would  once  more  put  his  brother  of 
Cologne  into  a  towering  rage,  and  thus,  while  appar- 
ently quenching  the  fire,  he  was  in  reality  adding  fuel 
to  it.  When  Konrad,  goaded  beyond  endurance  by 
some  taunt,  gave  forcible  expression  to  his  anger,  Ar- 
nold would  look  across  the  table  at  him  with  a  pained 
and  anxious  expression,  of  which  child-like  innocence 
seemed  the  distinguishing  characteristic,  as  if  he  could 
not  understand  what  had  so  grievously  disturbed  his 
worthy  colleague. 

Konrad  von  Hochstaden  drank  more  than  was  his 
custom.  He  had  resolved  that  night  to  withdraw  his 
forces,  a  determination  of  which  he  had  given  Treves 
full  notice,  in  writing  sent  by  special  messenger,  but 
Arnold  continued  to  ignore  this  communication,  and 
when  von  Hochstaden  endeavoured  to  bring  on  a  dis- 
cussion with  reference  to  their  approaching  severance, 
the  other  jauntily  waived  the  subject  aside,  treating  it 
as  if  it  were  a  good-natured  pleasantry  which  did  not 
merit  serious  consideration.    Thus  rebuffed,  the  Arch- 


354 


TEKLA. 


bishop  of  Cologne  drank  deeply,  so  that  when  the 
time  for  action  came,  he  would  have  made  up  for  his 
natural  deficiency  of  ( ourage  by  a  temporary  bravery 
drawn  from  the  flagon  Arnold,  as  was  his  invariable 
custom,  drank  sparingly,  sipping  the  wine  occasionally 
rather  than  drinking  it,  and  thus  the  two  nominal 
friends,  but  actual  foes,  sat  in  contra-position  to  each 
other,  the  one  getting  redder  and  redder  in  the  face 
and  louder  and  louder  in  the  voice,  the  other  with 
firm  hand  on  his  appetites  and  even  tones  in  his  speech. 

**  Well,"  cried  Konrad  von  Hochstaden,  raising  his 
flagon  aloft,  "  here's  good  luck  and  speedy  success 
to  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  in  the  reducing  of  the 
Black  Count's  castle,  now  that  he  is  about  to  set  him- 
self to  the  task  alone." 

"  Thank  you,"  replied  Arnold  von  Isenberg,  "  if  I 
were  indefcd  alone  ihe'siege  would  soon  be  ended." 

"  What  mean  you  by  that,  my  Lore  ?  "  asked  Col- 
ogne; flushing  with  anger.  "  Have  I  then  hampered 
your  attack?  I  wish  to  God  you  had  said  as  much 
two  years  ago.     I  was  willing  enough  to  withdraw." 

*'  I  have  never  made  complaint,  my  Lord,  of  your 
lack  of  energy  in  retreat,"  replied  Arnold  with  a  smile 
and  a  bow,  and  a  general  air  of  saying  the  most  polite 
thing  that  could  readily  come  to  a  man's  tongue. 

Konrad,  glaring  menacingly  at  his  foe,  half  rose  in 
his  place,  and  put  his  right  hand  to  the  hilt  of  the 
sword  by  his  side. 

"  Now  by  the  three  Kings  of  Cologne — "  he  cried, 
but  the  other  interrupted  him,  saying  with  gentle  sug- 
gestion : 

"  And  add  the  Holy  Coat  of  Treves,  in  token  of 
our  amicable  compact.  When  I  swear,  which  is  sel- 
dom, so  few  occasions  being  worth  the  effort,  I  always 
use  the  Coat  and  the  Kings  in  conjunction,  as  tending 
towa.ds  strength  in  their  union,  and  as  evidence  of 
the  loyalty  of  my  partnership  with  the  guardian  of 
the  bone,  of  the  Magi,  presented  by  Frederick  Bar- 
barossa,  God  rest  his  soul,  to  Archbishop  von  Dassele 
of  Cologne,  God  iCst  his  soul  also,  something  less  than 


THE  BLACK  COUNT'S  DEFIANCE.     355 


a  century  ago.     You  will  find  great  merit,  my  Lord, 
in  swearing  by  the  combination." 

"  Our  partnership,  Arnold  of  Treves,  is  at  an  end, 
a  fact  of  which  I  have  already  formally  given  you  in- 
timation. It  is  at  an  end  because  of  continued  deceit 
and  treachery  in  the  compact." 

"  You  grieve  me  deeply  by  your  confession,  my 
Lord,  and  I  am  loath  to  credit  anything  to  your  dis- 
advai  tage,  even  though  the  admission  come  from 
your  own  lips.  Had  another  made  such  charge 
against  you,  he  should  have  had  to  answer  personally 
to  me.     I  hold  your  honor  as  dearly  as  my  own." 

"  I  cannot  pretend  to  follow  your  subtleties.  I  am 
an  outspoken  man,  and  do  not  feign  friendship  where 
there  is  none.  Confession  ?  Charge  against  me  ?  I 
do  not  know  what  you  mean." 

"  There  are  but  two  to  our  compact,  my  Lord. 
You  say  there  has  been  treachery  in  it.  There  has 
been  none  on  my  part,  therefore  if  truth  dwells  in  your 
statement,  and — I  am  put  in  the  invidious  position  of 
being  compelled  to  believe  either  that  you  have  been 
treacherous  or  that  you  speak  falsely — the  deceit  must 
have  been  practised  by  you.  So  I  termed  your  re- 
mark a  confession,  and  added  in  deep  humility,  that  I 
was  slow  to  believe  it.  I  know  of  no  deceit  on  your 
part,  as  I  know  of  none  on  my  own." 

The  Archbishop  of  Cologne  stood  for  a  moment 
staring  at  his  ant'i^om'st,  then  thrusting  his  half-drawn 
sword  back  into  its  scabbard,  he  sank  again  into  his 
seal,  and  took  a  long  draught  from  the  flagon  with 
shaking  hand.  Many  of  his  followers  drank  as  deeply 
as  himself,  and  were  clamorous,  shouting  boisterously 
when  he  spoke ;  but  others  looked  with  anxiety 
towards  their  leader,  fearing  an  outbreak,  the  conse- 
quences of  which  no  one  could  foretell. 

"You  have  used  deceit,  and  not  I,"  said  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Cologne.  "  You  said  this  siege  would  last 
but  a  short  time,  while  at  the  end  of  two  years  we  are 
no  nearer  the  possession  of  the  castle  than  when  we 
began." 


i 


356 


TEKLA. 


"We  are  two  years  nearer,"  replied  the  Lord  of 
Treves,  calmly,  "  but  I  made  no  predictions  regarding 
the  length  of  the  siege  when  it  began.  The  bloodless 
environment  of  the  castle  was  your  plan,  and  not 
mine,  I  had  little  befief  in  your  method,  and  have 
less  now,  but  I  fell  in  with  it  to  please  you,  and  I  re- 
gret to  find  that  after  two  years'  constant  endeavour  to 
meet  your  approval,  I  have  apparently  failed.  But, 
although  I  may  have  hopes  of  saintship  being  the  re- 
ward of  my  life-long  patience  and  moderation,  I  have 
never  pretended  to  the  mantle  of  a  prophet ;  there- 
fore, I  hazarded  no  opinion  with  reference  to  the 
duration  of  the  siege." 

"  You  said  Heinrich  of  Thuron  was  but  imperfectly 
provisioned  ;  that  he  did  not  have  time  to  fill  his 
castle  with  grain.  In  that  you  must  admit  you  were 
wrong."    ' 

"  We  are  fallible  creatures,  my  Lord,  which  state- 
ment I  make  in  all  deference,  willing  instantly  to  with- 
draw it,  if  you  object  to  being  placed  in  a  category  in 
which  I  am  compelled  to  include  myself.  I  formed 
an  opinion  of  the  Black  Count's  resources  from  reports 
brought  to  me.  These  reports  apparently  contained 
mis-statements  ;  therefore  my  deductions  from  them 
were  wrong.  In  that  there  was  error  of  judgment, 
but  you  spolrc  of  wilful  deceit — an  entirely  different 
matter,  and  a  mistake  on  your  part  for  which  you  are, 
doubtless,  eagerly  waiting  opportunity  to  apologise." 

"  No  apology  is  due  from  me.  In  spite  of  your 
verbal  trickery,  I  have  been  deluded  and  cozened  from 
the  first ;  that  I  say,  and  that  I  adhere  to.  Still,  of 
what  avail  is  talk " 

"  True,  true,"  murmured  Arnold,  gently.  "  You 
were  ever  a  man  of  action,  my  Lord." 

"  I  shall  be  a  man  of  action  now ;  I  have  been  too 
long  quiescent !  "  cried  von  Hochstadcn,  again  half- 
drawing  his  sword  and  springing  to  his  feet  with  a 
celerity  that  might  not  hav  -.  been  expected  from  one 
who  had  had  the  flagon  so  constantly  under  tribute^ 
*'  I  shall  now  leave  this  camp  and  bring  with  me  every 


THE  BLACK  COUNT'S  DEFIANCE.     357 


officer  and  man  that  is  mine.  They  are  as  weary  of 
this  business  as  I  am,  and  will  be  glad  to  follow. 
You  may  then  get  others  to  be  your  dupes." 

Count  Bertrich,  who  had  with  difficulty  kept  his  hot 
temper  in  hand  during  this  dialogue,  now  leaped  up- 
right, and  flashing  out  the  sword  that  was  by  his  side, 
smote  the  table  with  the  hilt  of  it,  as  he  shouted : 

**  My  Lord  of  Cologne,  twice  you  have  made  a 
feeble  attempt  to  draw  your  reluctant  weapon ;  if 
you  had  kept  your  eyes  on  me  you  would  have  seen 
how  easily  the  trick  is  done.  My  over-lord  does  not 
choose  to  chastise  you  for  your  insolence  to  him,  but 
I  would  have  you  know  there  are  good  blades  here 
ready  to  meet  those  of  your  men,  the  moment  he 
gives  the  signal.  If  you  want  to  appeal  to  the  sword, 
in  God's  name  have  the  courage  to  draw  it ;  if  you 
rest  on  argument  and  reason,  then  keep  your  seat  and 
adJr  :3s  my  Lord  of  Treves  with  that  respect  which 
hih  T)(!sition  as  Prince  of  the  Church  demands." 

At  this  wild  cheers  burst  from  the  men  of  Tieves. 
Each  warrior  stood  up,  and  there  was  a  bristling  hedge 
of  swords  held  'i.  the  air  above  their  heads.  The  men 
of  Cologne  rose  also,  but  hesitatingly,  not  actuated  by 
the  instantaneov.s  urpulse  which  brought  such  quick 
action  into  play  en  the  other  side  of  the  table.  The 
Archbisliop  of  Treves  alone  remained  seated,  a  cynical 
smile  parting  his  lips.  He  raised  his  hand  as  if  to 
pronounce  benediction,  and  by  a  slight  motion  of  it, 
soothed  and  quelled  the  distuibance  in  a  manner 
almost  magical.  The  swords,  seemingly  of  their  own 
accord,  returned  to  their  scabbards,  and  one  by  one 
the  wearers  seated  themselves. 

"  You  see,  my  Lord,"  he  said,  in  a  low  voice,  "  how 
quickly  a  bad  example  influences  those  who  look  on. 
Your  hand  to  the  hilt  brought  steel  into  view  even 
before  a  good  half  of  your  own  formidable  weapon 
was  visible.  My  trusty  captain  has  a~::ked  you,  with 
all  a  soldier's  bluntness,  which  a  champion  like  your- 
self will  be  first  to  excuse,  to  be  seated.  May  I,  in 
the  utmost  humility,  associate  myself  with  his  desire? 


It 


i^i 


358 


TEKLA. 


The  sword,  alas,  has  its  uses,  still  it  is  but  a  cumbrous 
instrument  at  a  dinner  table.  You  were  speaking,  I 
think,  of  withdrawing  your  men,  but  in  the  tumult,  I 
fear,  I  missed  your  peroration." 

Cologne  thrust  his  weapon  back  into  its  scabbard, 
but  he  nevertheless  remained  standing. 

"  If  the  tongue  were  a  weapon *' 

"  It  is,  in  a  measure." 

" — I  would  grant  that  you  are  master  of  it,"  said 
von  Hochstaden." 

"  I  thank  you  for  the  compliment,  and  its  gener- 
osity gives  me  hope  that  we  are  about  to  come  to  an 
amicable  understanding." 

*'  We  have  already  come  to  an  understanding,  and 
if  you  consider  it  amicable,  the  better  am  I  pleased. 
To-night  I  withdraw  my  troops." 

"And  why?" 

"  The  reasons  I  have  already  set  down  in  my  com- 
munication to  you  at  Treves." 

"  I  do  not  recall  them ;  at  least  my  remembrance  is, 
that  on  perusing  them  they  did  not  seem  to  me  to 
justify  a  withdrawal.  Would  you,  therefore,  for  our 
present  enlightenment,  recount  the  most  important 
clauses  of  your  letter  ?  " 

"  One  reason  will  suffice.  I  cannot  consent  to  have 
my  troops  longer  engaged  in  a  futile  enterprise." 

"  Ah,  yes.  I  recollect  now  that  such  an  excuse  for 
cowardice  seemed  entirely  indefensible." 

"  For  cowardice,  my  Lord  ?  " 

"  Call  it  what  you  will.  I  shall  not  quarrel  about 
terms  ;  withdrawal  is,  I  think,  your  favourite  word. 
However,  to  please  you,  I  acted  instantly  in  the 
matter,  and  will  therefore  be  in  possession  of  the  cas- 
tle to-morrow  night,  or,  making  allowances  for  acci- 
dents, the  night  following.  Accordingly,  my  Lord, 
you  shall  not  withdraw  your  troops,  but  will  enjoy 
the  pleasures  of  conquest  with  me." 

"  You  will  possess  Thuron  so  soon  ?  " 

"  Of  a  surety." 

**  If  you    are    so   certain   of  that,    why    did    you 


THE  BLACK  COUNT'S  DEFIANCE.     359 


not  inform  me  of  the  prospect,   I   being  an   ally   of 
yours?  " 

"  It  is  not  my  custom  to  spread  my  plans  abroad. 
You  were  in  Cologne,  probably  most  devoutly  occu- 
pied, and  I  hesitated  to  obtrude  worldly  affairs  on 
your  attention.  Had  you  been  here,  and  had  you 
expressed  any  curiosity  in  the  matter,  I  should  have 
satisfied  it,  as  I  do  now." 

"  Frankly,  my  Lord,  I  do  not  believe  you.  This  is 
but  another  of  your  crafty  tricks  to  keep  my  men  at 
your  beck  and  call.  I  have  had  er  >ugh  of  such  fool- 
ery, and  am  not  to  be  again  delu  icd.  If  this  taking 
of  Thuron  can  be  bo  speedily  accomplished  now,  why 
was  it  not  done  six  months  or  a  year  ago  ?  " 

"  I  shall  charge  to  the  potency  of  the  wine  the 
insinuation  made  against  my  probity,  and  will  there- 
fore pass  it  by.  Your  method  of  siege,  my  Lord, 
was  a  plant  of  slow  growth.  I  have  but  grafted  upon 
it  a  little  sprig  of  my  own,  which  is  now  blossoming 
and  will  to-morrow  bear  fruit :  an  exceedingly  swift 
maturity.  Six  months  ago,  your  slow  growing  stem 
was  not  ready  to  receive  a  graft ;  now  it  is,  and 
there  all's  said.  I  therefore  count  confidently  on  your 
co-operation." 

"  I  shall  not  rob  your  Lordship  of  the  full  glory  of 
success.     You  shall  have  no  co-operation  from  me." 

"  You  still  do  not  believe  what  I  say,  perhaps  ?  " 

"  Perhaps." 

"  I  am  not  given  to  substantiating  my  statements, 
but  in  this  instance,  such  is  my  warm  friendship  for 
you,  I  will  change  an  old  habit  and  shortly  furnish 
you  with  proof.  I  am  momentaril)/  expecting  the  re- 
turn of  my  messengers,  and  you  will  hear  from  their 
lips  that  the  castle  has  been  bought  and  paid  for,  and 
that  it  will  be  in  our  possession  at  a  given  time,  per- 
haps not  more  than  twenty-four  hours  hence." 

*'  Your  messengers  will  report  to  you  alone,  my 
Lord,  for  I  shall  not  stay  to  question  them,"  cried  von 
Hochstaden.  "  Up,  men  of  Cologne,  we  have  waited 
here  too  long.    To  the  North,  to  the  North  !  " 


II 


I    } 


Y 


360 


TKKLA. 


./" 


'k 


The  Archbishop  of  Treves,  seeing  that  a  crisis  had 
come,  leaned  forward,  and  sharply  hissed  the  word, 

"  Swords !  "  , 

The  single  syllable  might  have  been  an  incantation, 
so  quickly  was  it  acted  upon.  It  v/as  evidently  a  pre- 
arranged signal,  for  the  moment  it  was  uttered,  every 
man  on  the  Treves  side  of  the  table  whipped  out  his 
blade,  and  placed  its  pomt  at  the  throat  of  the  man 
who  sat  opposite  him.  None  were  so  drunk  as  not  to 
know  that  a  single  lunge  forward  on  the  part  of  the 
assailants  would  cause  the  simultaneous  deaths  of  the 
followers  of  Cologne.  Each,  sobered  by  the  sudden 
menace  and  the  presence  of  a  grave  danger,  sat  mo- 
tionless as  if  turned  to  stone.  His  Lordship  of  Col- 
ogne stood  uncertainly,  and  cast  a  wavering  eye  down 
along  the  bridge  of  steel  that  spanned  the  table.  His 
serene  Lordship  of  Treves  sat  in  his  place,  an  ill- 
omened  glitter  in  his  piercing  eye,  while  his  thin  blood- 
less lips  were  compressed  into  a  straight  line.  After 
an  interval  of  silence  he  spoke  in  silky  tones : 

"  I  see,  my  Lord,  that  it  is  unnecessary  for  me  to 
caution  your  men  not  to  move  hand  to  hilt  until  some 
friendly  arrangement  is  come  to  between  you  and  me. 
Ihe  air  has  been  thick  with  threats  for  some  time 
past ;  it  is  well  that  definite  action  should  clear  it. 
How  easy  would  it  be  for  me  to  give  another  brief 
signal  and  thus  end  the  lives  of  all  your  followers  in 
this  tent?  With  you  a  prisoner,  word  could  be  sent 
to  the  camp,  and  your  unsuspecting  soldiers  would  be 
prisoners  as  well.  Thus  might  I  act  were  I  a  bloody- 
minded  warrior,  but  I  thank  my  Maker,  and  you  may 
well  join  your  thanks  with  mine,  that  I  am  ever  a  man 
of  peace,  rarely  using  forceful  measures  except  when 
compelled  to  do  so.  Perhaps  you  will  consent  to  re- 
consider your  decision,  my  Lord." 

"  Go  on  with  your  treacherous  butchery,  cut-throat 
of  '1  reves,  and  see  what  good  you  reap  from  it." 

"  It  is  easy  for  you,  my  Lord,  to  say  go  on,  when 
your  throat  is  unthreatcned,  but  I  grieve  for  those 
who  must  be  victims  of  your  stubbornness.     In  case 


h( 
b( 

si 


THE  BLACK  COUNT'S  DEFIANCE.     361 


you  may  imagine  that  the  cut-throat  of  Treves  will 
hesitate  when  it  comes  to  your  own  august  person,  I 
beg  to  remind  your  Lordship  that  an  ancestor  of  mine 
slew  a  predecessor  of  yours." 

"  Say  murdered,  and  you  will  be  nearer  the  mark." 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  spread  out  his  hands  in 
conciliatory  fashion  and,  bowing  slightly,  replied, 

"  Well,  murdered  then,  if  it  please  you.  I  am  al- 
ways willing  to  concede  to  a  disputant  his  own  choice 
of  words." 

Von  Hochstaden's  secretary,  standing  at  his  master's 
elbow,  filled  with  alarm  at  the  threatening  aspect  of 
affairs,  pleaded  in  whispers  with  him  to  give  way,  but 
the  prelate,  with  an  angry  motion  of  his  hand,  waved 
the  subordinate  aside,  bidding  him  hold  his  peace. 

The  good  Ambrose,  with  uplifted  eyes  and  paled 
face,  prayed  that  heaven  might  send  peace  to  that 
sorely  divided  camp.  Heaven  replied  in  its  own  way, 
but  in  a  manner  which  made  the  startled  occupants  of 
the  tent  imagine  that  the  prayer  had  been  literally  an- 
'^wered.  The  Archbishop  of  Cologne  was  about  to 
speak  when  there  was  an  impact  on  the  end  of  the 
tent  which  first  made  it  bulge  suddenly  in,  then  the 
cloth  ripped  with  a  loud  report,  and  there  shot  .wiftly 
along  the  line  of  swords,  sweeping  many  of  them  jan- 
gling from  the  hands  of  their  owners,  a  nondescript 
bundle  that  sped  hurtling  down  the  table,  coming  to 
rest  against  the  heavy  chair  at  the  head,  with  a  woeful 
groan  like  the  rending  of  a  soul  from  a  body  ;  a  groan 
that  struck  wild  terror  into  every  heart,  so  supernatural 
did  it  seem,  giving  appalling  indication  that  there  was 
yet  life  in  the  shapeless  heap  when  it  was  hurled 
against  the  tent.  Even  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  for 
the  first  time  that  evening,  sprang  in  quick  alarm  to 
his  feet,  as  the  living  projectile  dropped  from  the  end 
of  the  table  into  the  empty  chair,  and  lay  there  mo- 
tionless. The  men  of  Cologne,  who  had  been  seated 
breathless,  with  the  sharp  points  of  the  swords  at  their 
throats,  now  took  swift  advantage  of  the  amazing  in- 
tervention,    and,     throwing     themselves    backwards, 


■i 


'V 


362 


TEKLA. 


jumped  upright,  plucked  blade  from  scabbard,  and 
stood  at  least  on  equal  terms  with  their  foes,  but  hav- 
ing thus  prepared  themselves  for  defence,  all  remained 
silent  and  motionless,  awe-struck  by  the  astounding 
interruption. 

Through  the  tattered  rent  in  the  end  of  the  tent 
came  the  sound  of  distant  laughter,  like  the  laughter 
of  some  fiend  suspended  in  the  sky,  and  then  all  dis- 
tinctly heard  the  words : 

"  There,  Arnold  von  Isenberg !  The  gold  '*s  in  my 
courtyard  ;  the  merchandise  is  in  your  camp  I" 


.(!■   I 


'■^fr- 


ni^ 


^■> 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

THE  NIGHT  ESCAPE  OF  THE  EMPEROR. 

When  the  Black  Count  had  shouted  his  defiance 
to  the  tent  of  the  Archbishop,  he  stood  there  in  the 
calm  moonlight  with  his  clenched  fist  raised  high 
above  his  head,  while  a  deep  silence  held  in  thrall  all 
who  were  on  the  roof  of  the  northern  tower.  Sud- 
denly his  upstretched  hand  dropped  to  his  side,  and 
the  wild  exultation  faded  from  his  fiery  eyes.  He 
turned,  and  curtly  bidding  the  others  to  follow, 
clanked  down  the  circular  stone  stair,  and  presently 
entered  the  courtyard  he  had  so  recently  quitted.  All 
his  men  there  assembled  stood  motionless  as  he  had 
left  them.  The  yellow  bits  of  gold  lay  where  they 
had  fallen,  no  man  having  had  the  courage  to  stoop 
and  pick  up  a  single  coin. 

Heinrich  flashed  a  contemptuous  glance  at  the  scat- 
tered metal,  and  said : 

"  Lieutenant,  see  that  this  trash  is  gathered  up. 
Give  half  of  it  to  the  honest  fellow  who  discovered  the 
plot,  and  divide  the  rest  among  yourselves.  You  will 
take  temporary  command  until  I  have  further  investi- 
gated this  treachery." 

"  My  Lord,"  interrupted  Rodolph,  "  Conrad  is  my 
man,  and  I  will  myself  undertake  to  compensate  him 
for  what  he  has  undergone.  I  beg  of  you  to  divide 
the  Archbishop's  gold  entirely  among  those  who  have 
stood  so  faithfully  by  the  castle.  If  you  give  orders 
to  that  effect,  I  would  be  glad  to  have  a  word  with 
you  in  private." 

"  What  is  done,  is  done,"  replied  the  Black  Count, 
frowning.  "  There  is  little  good  in  further  talk  about 
it.     I  mean  with  regard  to  the  sending  away  of  the 


II 


it  il 


364 


TEKLA. 


k 


traitor ;  that's  past  praying  for ;  the  dividing  of  the 
gold  shall  be  according  to  your  wish." 

"  What  is  done,  is  done,  as  you  most  truly  say,  and 
I  have  no  comment  to  make  upon  it.  If  a  man  is  to 
be  killed,  and  Steinmetz  richly  merited  death,  I  sup- 
pose it  matters  little  how  his  taking  off  is  accomplished 
so  that  it  be  speedy,  and  none  can  complain  that  he 
was  kept  long  in  suspense.  I  shall  have  the  honour 
of  following  you  to  the  council  chamber,  my  Lord." 

The  Black  Count  strode  up  the  stone  steps  and  en- 
tered the  now  deserted  room,  turning  round  upon  his 
guest  with  some  apprehension  on  his  brow. 

"  Well,  my  Lord,"  he  said,  and  from  his  tones  had 
departed  all  their  former  truculence. 

"  I  have  to  ask  your  permission  to  leave  the  castle 
to-night.  The  time  is  ripe  for  my  departure,  and  I 
think  duVing  the  commotion  that  will  inevitably  ensue 
in  the  enemy's  camp  after  the  receipt  of  your  startling 
message,  I  may  the  more  surely  make  my  way  through 
the  lines.  I  shall,  with  as  little  delay  as  need  be, 
bring  up  my  own  men,  and  I  imagine  we  will  have 
small  difficulty  in  raising  the  siege,  or  at  least  in  get- 
ting through  to  you  some  necessary  provender,  if  you 
can  but  hold  out  for  a  few  days  longer." 

"  How  many  men  answer  to  your  command  ?  " 

"  Enough  to  make  their  Lordships  regret  that  my 
followers  are  thrown  in  the  scale  against  them." 

For  a  moment  an  elated  gleam  of  hope  lit  up  the 
dark  eye  of  the  Count,  but  it  soon  died  away  as  un- 
belief in  the  other's  ability  to  do  what  he  had  pro- 
mised reasserted  itself. 

*'  You  have  been  here  for  two  years  :  your  men  are 
now  most  likely  scattered,  or  may  indeed  be  in  the 
Archbishop's  own  camp.  When  the  hand  of  the  master 
is  withdrawn,  his  mercenaries  look  to  themselves !  " 

"  True,  my  Lord  ;  but  I  have  been  in  constant  com- 
munication with  my  trusty  lieutenant,  and  he  now 
informs  me  that  everything  is  ready." 

"  How  can  you  have  been  in  communication  with 
him?" 


THE  NIGHT  ESCAPE  OF  THE  EMPEROR.  365 


"The  good  monk,  my  Lord,  was  my  secret  mes- 
senger." / 

"  Ah  !  That  accounts  for  his  frequent  visits,  then. 
Well,  go,  in  God's  name,  if  you  think  you  can  benefit 
us.  I  trust  you  all  the  more  because  I  believe  there 
is  one  within  these  walls  whom  you  would  wish  to  see 
neither  harmed  nor  starved.  I  am  not  blind,  although 
I  say  little." 

"  You  are  right,  my  Lord,  and  your  observation  has 
not  misled  you.  But  I  would  like  you  to  credit  this  ; 
that  even  if  there  were  none  such,  I  would  gladly  come 
to  your  aid,  on  your  account  as  well.  I  propose  to 
take  Conrad  and  the  archer  with  me,  for  we  may  arrive 
at  blows  in  the  getting  away,  and  I  wish  two  followers 
in  whom  I  have  confidence.  Besides,  the  departure 
of  three  will  relieve,  to  that  extent,  the  slender 
resources  of  the  castle.  I  hope  I  have  your  approval 
of  my  project." 

"Surely,  surely.  May  prosperity  attend  you,  and 
may  I  meet  you  at  my  own  gate  with  your  lancemen 
at  your  back.     You  will  be  most  heartily  welcome." 

The  two  shook  hands  and  parted  with  much  cor- 
diality. Rodolph  made  his  way  to  his  room  in  the 
tower,  followed  by  Conrad.  There  they  found  the 
archer,  seemingly  in  deep  dejection. 

"Well,"  cried  Rodolph,  "are  you  returned  already? 
What  luck  have  you  had  with  the  poet  ?  " 

"  Roger  is  a?  stubborn  as  a  mule,  my  Lord,  and 
insists  that  his  oath  to  the  Archbishop  will  not  allow 
him  to  let  me  pass  through  the  lines.  A  plague  on 
his  good  principles.  I  never  let  my  principles  inter- 
terfere  with  the  serving  of  a  friend." 

"  Is  it  so,  honest  John  ?  You  would,  then,  at  the 
request  of  Roger,  allow  me  to  be  captured  by  the 
Archbishops  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no,  my  Lord,"  replied  the  archer,  in  astonish- 
ment at  the  bare  suggestion.  "  Not  for  all  the  friends 
that  were  ever  weaned  in  England  would  I  betray 
your  Lordship." 

"  I  am  sure  of  it.     Therefore  must  we  not  be  too 


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366 


TEKLA. 


severe  on  the  poet  if  he  refuses  to  do  for  one  friend 
what  you  would  not  do  for  a  whole  regiment  of 
them.     Where  is  our  faithful  rhymester  on  guard  ?  " 

"  He  stands  in  the  valley  of  the  Thaurand,  in  a  most 
excellent  position  for  our  escape,  and  that  is  the  pity 
of  it,  curses  on  his  stubbornness.  We  could  slip 
through  to  the  stream  and  either  up  the  opposite  hill 
or  along  the  water  course  to  the  Moselle  quite  unmo- 
lested, once  we  were  past  the  lines.  If  your  honour 
commands  me  to  do  it,  I  will  send  an  arrow  through 
his  unfriendly  heart,  although  I  must  say  I  would 
loosen  string  with  grief  and  bitterness  in  my  own  ; 
then  we  may  pass  unchecked." 

"No,  no.  Such  a  trial  shall  not  be  put  upon  you. 
The  arrow  is  silent,  and  if  it  be  necessary  we  will  send 
it  through  the  heart  of  another  on  the  line,  and  step 
over  his  body.  But  it  is  best  to  attain  our  object 
bloodlessly,  if  possible,  for  a  man  killed  may  cause  the 
hue  and  cry  to  be  raised  after  us.  Has  Roger  no 
poetry  to  recite  to  you  ?  No  new  verses  or  changes 
in  the  old,  regarding  which  he  wishes  your  sage 
opinions?  " 

**  Oh,  he  has  plenty  of  new  verse,  curse  him,  but  I 
told  him  I  would  not  wait  to  hear,  saying  I  believed 
him  no  true  poet  at  all,  thus  leaving  him  in  deep 
melancholy,  leaning  on  his  bow  regardless  of  the 
strain  upon  it,  as  I  bent  my  way  up  the  hill." 

'*  'Tis  a  pity  author  and  critic  should  part  in  anger. 
Will  you  then  make  your  way  to  him  again,  taking 
your  bow  and  a  well-filled  quiver  with  you.  Apolo- 
gise for  your  remarks  reflecting  on  his  quality  as  poet ; 
say  your  bad  temper  made  you  speak,  and  not  your 
critical  judgment.  Induce  him  to  recite  all  that  is 
new  in  his  composition,  and  also  some  of  the  old  verses, 
until  you  hear  my  signal  on  the  other  side  of  the 
valley.  Then  break  his  bow  so  that  he  may  not 
injure  you,  and  fly  to  us.  During  the  recital  we  will 
steal  through  as  silently  as  we  can,  trusting  to  the 
poet's  fervour  of  genius  for  our  being  unseen  and  un- 
heard.    Win  to  us  then  if  you  can  ;  should  this  be  im- 


THE  NIGHT  ESCAPE  OF  THE  EMPEROR.  367 

possible,  Conrad  and  I  will  have  to  make  our  way  down 
the  Moselle  without  you.  I  will  give  you  an  hour  to 
make  your  peace  with  the  offended  Roger/then,  when 
you  hear  the  night  bird's  cry,  know  that  we  are  about 
to  steal  through  the  lines.  Keep  Roger  busily  en- 
gaged without  rest  until  the  cry  comes  to  you  again 
from  the  other  side  of  the  valley.  If  he  discover  us 
and  is  about  to  give  the  alarm,  I  trust  that  you  will 
let  friendship  fly  to  the  winds  for  a  short  time  and 
promptly  throttle  him,  escaping  after,  as  best  you 
may." 

"  I  will  do  all  I  can,  even  if  I  have  to  wring  his  long 
neck,"  said  the  archer,  buckling  quiver  to  his  back 
and  taking  up  his  bow.  When  he  had  gone  Rodolph 
turned  to  Conrad. 

"  Hilda  has  had  a  somewhat  exciting  evening  of  it, 
and  will  be  glad  to  have  assurance  that  you  are  un- 
hurt. Seek  her  out,  therefore,  and  bid  her  farewell 
for  a  few  days.  Ask  her,  so  that  you  may  not  be  in- 
terrupted during  your  parting,  to  deliver  a  message 
to  the  Countess  Tekla  from  me.  Tell  the  Countess 
that  I  am  on  the  battlements  and  beg  of  her  indul- 
gence that  she  meet  me  there.  I  value  you  so  highly, 
Conrad,  that  I  will  myself  engage  the  Countess  in  con- 
versation, so  that  Hilda  may  not  be  called  upon  by 
her  Ladyship,  until  your  conference  is  ended.  Thus  I 
hope  to  merit  the  gratitude  of  both  Hilda  and  your- 
self. " 

"  Thank  you,  my  Lord,"  said  Conrad,  with  a  smile, 
as  he  departed  on  his  mission. 

The  young  Emperor,  his  hands  clasped  behind  him, 
paced  up  and  down  the  broad  promenade  in  the 
moonlight.  He  was  now  at  last  on  the  eve  of 
achievement ;  about  to  return  to  his  capital  and  take 
his  rightful  place  at  the  head  of  the  State.  An  army 
awaited  him,  quietly  accumulated  and  efficiently 
drilled.  This  huge  weapon  was  ready  to  his  hand  to 
be  wielded  absolutely  as  pleased  him,  for  the  good  or 
for  the  evil  of  his  country.  The  young  man  pondered 
gravely  on  the  situation.     What  would  be  the  result  ? 


368 


TEKLA. 


Bloodshed  and  civil  war,  or  peace  and  prosperity  in 
the  land?  Would  the  Archbishops  fight  when  he 
ordered  the  siege  to  be  raised,  or  would  they  obey  his 
command?  Only  a  few  more  moonlight  nights  lay 
between  him  and  this  knowledge.  As  he  meditated 
on  hi:i  danger  and  hopes,  the  white  slender  figure  of 
the  Countess  came  up  the  steps  to  the  promenade,  and 
he  rushed  forward  to  meet  her  with  both  hands  out- 
stretched. 

"  Ah,  Tekla,"  he  said,  "  it  is  kind  of  you  to  come." 
'     The  girl  put  her  hands  in  his,  but  there  was  an  ex- 
pression of  concern  on  her  face. 

**  What  has  uncle  done  with  Captain  Steinmetz?" 
she  asked. 

"  He  was  a  traitor,"  said  Rodolph,  sternly. 

"  I  know,  I  know,  but  for  long  he  was  in  my 
uncle's  service,  and  he  has  been  these  two  years  one  of 
oui  defenders.  Perhaps,  half  starved,  he  succumbed 
to  the  temptation  of  a  moment.  His  years  of  good 
faith  should  not  be  forgotten  at  this  time.  Is  he  in 
prison  ?  " 

"  No.  The  Black  Count  bound  him  and  sent  him, 
with  a  warlike  message,  to  the  Archbishop  of  Treves." 

"  Oh,"  cried  the  girl,  much  relieved,  "  I  am  glad  that 
nothing  more  severe  was  done.  I  feared  my  uncle,  in 
his  just  anger,  might  have  acted  harshly,  but  I  think 
you  have  had  a  good  influence  on  him,  Rodolph.  I 
have  noted,  with  gladness,  how  he  defers  to  you." 

"  I  suppose  we  influence  more  or  less  all  those  with 
whom  we  come  into  contact.  I  should  be  glad  to 
believe  that  I  had  a  benign  effect  upon  his  conduct, 
but,  before  arriving  at  a  definite  conclusion  in  the 
matter,  I  shall  await  further  proof  of  his  Lordship's 
leaning  towards  clemency  and  softness  of  speech." 

'•  What  further  proof  could  you  wish  than  the  inci- 
dent to-night?  I  assure  you,  and  you  are  yourself 
very  well  aware,  that  two  )'ears  ago,  yes,  and  often 
since  then,  my  uncle  would  have  killed  Steinmetz  on 
evidence  of  such  treachery," 

*•  I  think  he  would  have  deserved  his  fate,  Tekla ; 


THE  NIGHT  ESCAPE  OF  THE  EMPEROR.  369 

and  now  I  beg  of  you  dismiss  the  traitor  for  ever 
from  your  mind,  and  give  your  unworthy  lover  some 
space  in  your  thoughts.  I  am  about  to  quit  the  castle, 
and  I  ask  your  good  wishes  in  my  venture.  I  hope 
shortly  to  return  at  the  head  of  my  own  men,  and 
have  some  influence  on  the  siege  if  I  have  little  with 
your  uncle." 

"  To  leave  the  castle  ?     Does  my  uncle  know  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  he  cordially  approves  my  scheme.  Fur- 
thermore, he  has  no  doubts  about  my  loyalty,  for  he 
says  he  is  cognizant  of  the  fact  that  I  leave  one 
within  the  castle  to  whom  I  shall  be  most  eager  to  re- 
turn, which  is,  indeed,  the  case,  my  Tekla." 

"He  knows  that  also,  does  he?"  replied  the  girl, 
blushing,  and  hiding  her  blushes  on  the  shoulder  of 
her  lover. 

Rodolph,  bending  over  and  caressing  her,  undid  a 
knot  of  ribbon  at  her  throat,  kissing  the  white  neck 
thus  laid  bare. 

"  I  shall  wear  your  colours  on  my  arm,  Tekla,  till  I 
return,  if  you  will  but  tie  them  there  and  entangle 
your  good  wishes  with  the  knot." 

The  girl  tied  the  shred  of  ribbon  on  his  arm, 
daintily  pressing  her  lips  to  the  knot  when  it  was  in 
place. 

"  There,"  she  cried,  looking  up  at  him  with  moist 
and  glistening  eyes,  "  that  will  bring  you  safely  to  me ; 
but,  Rodolph,  you  will  be  careful  and  not  rash.  Do 
not  jeopardise  your  own  safety  for — for  us.  I  fear 
your  men  are  but  few,  and  if  that  is  the  case,  do  not, 
I  beg  of  you,  adventure  life  in  a  hopeless  enterprise. 
Let  us  rather  surrender  and  throw  ourselves  on  the 
mercy  of  the  Archbishop." 

"  I  should  scarcely  care  to  trust  to  his  tender  heart, 
but  you  may  be  sure  I  shall  use  all  cauL.on.  I  think 
my  men  will  be  ample  in  number  for  the  task  I  shall 
set  to  them,  and  in  any  case  we  will  be  strong  in  the 
justice  of  our  cause  and  the  prayers  of  our  Lady. 
And  now^  Tekla,  I  must  be  gone  and  trust  myself  to 
the  outcome  of  the  night,,     I  hear  Conrad  approach- 


370 


TEKLA. 


ing  with  a  clumsy  noisiness  that  betokens  a  desire  to 
deal  with  others  as  he  would  be  dealt  with  himself. 
His  coming  shows  that  the  moment  of  parting  is  at 
hand,  for  another  awaits  us,  and  our  success  depends 
on  our  being  at  our  post  in  the  valley  at  the  exact 
time,  so  kiss  me,  my  Tekla,  before  the  faithful  head  of 
Conrad  appears  above  the  battlements." 

The  kiss  and  others  to  supplement  it  were  given  and 
taken.  ' 

"  We  shall  always  remember  these  battlements,  Ro- 
dolph,"  she  whispered  to  him. 

When  Conrad  at  last  came,  Rodolph  and  he  dis- 
appeared over  the  wall  together :  Tekla,  leaning  against 
the  parapet,  little  as  she  imagained  it,  bade  farewell 
for  ever  to  her  Knight  of  the  Moselle.  It  was  des- 
tined that  the  next  lover  she  was  to  meet  would  be 
no  unknown  Lord,  but  the  Emperor  of  Germany  him- 
self. 


'  It 


!.  I 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 


THE  FIVE  BILLETLESS  ARROWS. 


The  bowman,  with  characteristic  caution,  stole 
down  the  hill  until  he  neared  the  line,  wound  so  tightly 
round  the  castle.  Here  his  circumspection  redoubled, 
and,  trailing  his  bow  after  him,  he  crawled  on  hands 
and  knees  towards  his  friend,  Roger  Kent,  who,  with 
bowed  head,  marched  to  and  fro  along  his  accustomed 
beat.  The  poet  seemed  in  a  state  of  blank  despond- 
ency, but  whether  on  account  of  the  slanders  of  an 
unsympathetic  world,  or  for  the  reason  that  he  had 
parted  in  discordant  terms  from  his  comrade,  John 
Surrey  could  not  tell.  A  warble  from  the  forest 
caused  the  sentinel  to  raise  his  head  and  peer  into  the 
denseness  of  the  thicket.  The  moon  showed  his  face 
to  be  alert  and  expectant,  expressions  which  changed 
into  a  look  of  joy  when  the  warble  was  repeated  and 
he  saw  emerge  from  the  plantation  the  rotund  figure 
of  his  friend  and  critic.  The  latter  motioned  him  to 
come  out  of  the  moonlight  into  the  shadow,  and  the 
unsuspicious  Roger,  casting  a  glance  round  him,  see- 
ing the  coast  clear,  approached  until  the  gloom  of  the 
wood  fell  over  him,  then  stood,  realising  that,  after 
all,  the  insult  had  not  been  of  his  bestowal,  and  that 
etiquette  at  least  demanded  from  John  some  verbal 
amends  for  his  former  verbal  buffets,  if  there  was  to 
be  peace  between  them. 

"  Roger,"  said  John,  "  I  could  not  sleep  until  I  had 
told  you  how  sorry  I  am  that  my  roughness  of  speech 
gave  you  good  cause  for  offence,  and  I  beg  you  to 
think  no  more  of  my  words." 

*•  A^hat  you  said,"  replied  Roger,  dolefully,  **  was 
no  doubt  true  enough.     I  have  been  thinking  over 


372 


TEKLA. 


your  estimate  of  my  poems,  and  I  fear  I  have,  in  my 
enthusiasm,  at  various  times  given  you  the  idea  that  I 
held  them  in  high  esteem  myself ;  but  alas,  no  one 
knows  better  than  I  what  poor  trash  they  are,  and  I 
recited  them  to  you  that  I  might  profit  by  your  criti- 
cism.    I  cannot  find  fault  with  an  honest  opinion." 

"  It  was  not  an  honest  opinion,"  cried  John,  fer- 
vently. "  I  was  disappointed  that  you  refused  io 
pleasure  my  master  by  allowing  him  to  get  free  of  the 
castle,  but  he  has  said  that  you  were  quite  right  to 
stand  by  your  oath  and  showed  me  thai,  in  your  place, 
I  would  have  done  the  same.  Ah,  he  has  a  high  opin- 
ion of  poets,  my  master." 

"  Has  he  so  ?  Then  am  I  the  more  unfortunate 
that  I  cannot  aid  him  to  escape.  I  would  I  had  taken 
the  oath  with  him  instead  of  under  the  Archbishop, 
whom  I  haye  never  seen,  but  such  are  the  fortunes  of 
war,  and  one  of  the  many  blessings  of  peace  is  that 
then  a  man  is  at  liberty  to  do  what  he  will  for  a  friend, 
as  I  think  I  have  well  set  forth  in  a  verse  conned  over 
in  my  mind  since  you  left  me,  which  I  shall  entitle, 
*  Peace  boweth  to  Friendship.'  " 

"  Let  me  hear  it,  Roger,  in  token  of  your  forgive- 
ness, for  what  I  said  to  you  a  while  since  was  but  the 
reflex  of  my  dJsappointment,  and  in  no  wise  an  indi- 
cation of  my  true  mind." 

"  The  verse  is  but  a  trivial  one  at  best,"  said  Roger, 
in  a  tone  of  great  complacency  that  rather  belied  his 
words,  "  and  is,  you  must  remember,  not  yet  polished 
as  it  will  be  when^I  indite  it  on  papyrus;  still  I  have 
to  admit  that  even  in  its  present  unfinished  shape  it 
contains  the  germ  of  what  may  be  an  epic.  It  runs 
thus " 

And  here  he  repeated  the  lines  sonorously,  while  his 
comrade  listened  with  rapt  attention  beaming  on  his 
upturned  countenance. 

After  this  felicitous  introduction  the  two  sat  down 
together,  the  sentinel  rising  now  and  then  to  cast  a 
look  about  him,  resolved  that  even  the  delights  of  a 
discussion  upon  poesy  should  not  make  him  neglect 


THE  FIVE  BILLETLESS  ARROWS.      373 

the  business  he  had  in  hand,  but  the  night  was  still, 
with  the  castle  and  camp  wrapped  in  equal  silence. 
At  last  John's  quick  ear  caught  the  low  signal  that 
told  him  Rodolph  and  Conrad  were  waiting  to  make 
good  their  way  through  the  line,  broken  at  this  point 
by  a  literary  conference.  John  looked  sharply  at  his 
friend,  wondering  whether  or  no  he  also  had  heard  the 
sound,  but  the  other  babbled  serenely  on. 

"  You  remember  the  poems  you  delivered  that  night 
at  the  foot  of  the  wall  long  ago,  when  you  so  unjustly 
charged  me  with  being  asleep,  because,  I  suppose, 
your  first  verses  were  on  'Sleep?'  Recite  them  again 
in  the  order  you  then  arranged  them,  if  you  can,  and 
I  will  tell  you  whether  you  have  improved  the  lines 
or  not." 

The  author  rapturously  began,  and  he  had  no  com- 
plaint to  make  regarding  his  listener's  lack  of  atten- 
tion. John  seemed  fascinated,  and  fixed  his  eyes  on 
the  speaker  with  a  keen  inquiry  that  was  most  flatter- 
ing. Never  had  reciter  so  absorbed  an  audience,  and 
the  poet  went  on  like  one  inspired.  He  glowed  with 
the  enthusiasm  of  his  varying  themes,  and  his  voice 
was  at  times  thrilled  with  the  pathos  or  the  tender- 
ness of  his  changing  subjects.  Once,  indeed,  he 
stopped  abruptly  in  the  middle  of  a  quatrain,  and 
whispered,  alarmed  : 

"What  was  that?  A  twig  snapped;  I  am  sure  of 
it.     Did  you  hear  nothing?  " 

"Nothing,  Roger,  but  the  most  marvellous  lines 
that  ever  man  was  privileged  to  listen  to.  Go  on,  for 
God's  sake,  and  do  not  keep  me  thus  deprived  of  the 
remainder.     What  follows :  what  follows,  Roger  ?  " 

"  Ah,  John,"  cried  the  poet,  beaming  upon  him, 
"  you  have  the  true  feeling  for  poesy ;  why  was  the 
gift  of  expression  denied  you  ?  " 

"  It  is  a  question  I  cannot  answer,  but  if  I  fail  to 
make  an  arrow,  I  can  judge  it  rightly  when  it  is  made. 
Perhaps  if  I  were  a  poet  myself  I  could  not  so  well 
appreciate  the  verses  with  which  you  delight  the 
world." 


374 


TEKLA. 


"True.  I  have  met  other  versifiers  who  were  so 
lacking  in  all  valuation  of  genius  that  instead  of  listen- 
ing to  some  of  my  best  efforts  they  would  insist  on 
disturbing  me  with  their  own  poor  doggerel/  which 
was  entirely  devoid  of  any  just  reason  for  existence. 
You  would  hear  more  of  this  poem,  then  ?  " 

"  I  would  not  lose  a  word  of  it  for  all  the  wine  be- 
tween here  and  Treves.  Go  on,  I  beg  you,  for  I  never 
before  heard  the  like  of  it." 

The  syllables  of  the  poet  flowed  like  the  sweet  purl- 
ing of  a  stream,  and  finally,  through  it  all,  John's 
straining  ears  caught  again  the  signal,  but  this  time 
from  the  opposite  side  of  the  moonlit  Thaurand 
valley,  high  up  on  the  hill,  which  intimated  to  him 
that  his  comrades  were  at  last  safe,  and  that  they 
were  making  their  way  across  the  rocky  headland 
which  jutted  out  between  the  Thaurand  and  the  Mo- 
selle to  thfc  north  of  the  spot  where  the  talker  and  the 
listener  sat,  and  thus  Rodolph  and  Conrad  had  avoided 
the  danger  of  going  down  the  valley  and  past  the  end 
of  the  village,  which  was  thronged  with  the  Arch- 
bishop's men.  John  Surrey  still  sat  there  until  he 
thought  his  comrades  had  had  time  to  reach  the  bank 
of  the  river,  knowing  that  then  if  he  were  captured  or 
killed,  they,  at  least,  would  be  free  from  molestation, 
for  it  had  been  arranged  that  they  were  to  wait  but  a 
short  time  for  him,  and,  on  the  first  symptom  of  alarm, 
make  the  best  of  their  way  down  the  Moselle,  with 
such  speed  ?«  was  possible.  Two  more  poems  were 
recited,  and  at  the  end  of  the  last,  John  Surrey  rose 
and  placed  his  hands  on  Roger's  shoulder,  his  friend, 
the  poet,  rising  also. 

"If  it  should  so  chance,  Roger,  that  I  do  not  live 
to  tell  you  this  again,  mark  well  my  last  words.  The 
verse  you  have  rhymed  to  me  will  live  long  after  our 
two  heads  are  low,  if  you  can  but  get  them  on  parch- 
ment so  that  others  may  read  them  when  we  are  gone. 
This  is  my  true  belief,  for  there  is  something  in  them 
that  touches  me,  although  I  cannot  explain  why  or 
what  it  is.     I  do  not  think  I  understand  them,  yet  am 


M 


THE  FIVE  BILLETLESS  ARROWS.      375 

I  pleased  and  soothed  to  listen  to  them,  for  the  words 
run  smoothly,  the  one  into  the  other,  like  music. 
This,  Roger,  is  my  firm  opinion,  and  perhaps  my  last, 
so  remember  it,  and  forget  my.petulance  earlier  in  the 
night.     How  many  arrows  have  you,  Roger?  '* 

"  Arrows?  The  saints  save  us  !  What  have  arrows 
to  do  with  poetry,  John?  I  carry  five  with  me  each 
night  on  guard,  but  have  never  yet  had  use  for  any. 
But  respecting  that  last  poem,  did  you  notice " 

"  Roger,  old  friend,  good-bye." 

Saying  this  with  trembling  voice,  John  Surrey 
leaped  down  the  hillside  towards  the  stream,  his  stout 
body  ill  adapted  to  the  recklessness  of  his  descent, 
leaving  the  other  standing  open-mouthed  in  amaze- 
ment, chagrin  coming  over  him  with  the  surmise  that 
all  this  listening  to  his  verse  had  been  a  mere  cheat ; 
yet  John's  last  words  of  praise  rang  persistently  and 
deliciously  convincing  in  his  ears.  For  a  moment  he 
stood  thus,  then  a  realisation  of  his  duty  burst  upon 
him,  and  he  seized  bow,  automatically  placing  an  arrow 
accurately  on  the  string. 

Headlong  the  rotund  John  plunged  downwards, 
expecting  a  command  to  stop,  but  no  cry  came.  He 
splashed  through  the  little  stream,  and  knew  *-hat  in 
his  slow  ascent  up  the  steep  crumbling  hill,  the  moon 
would  be  shining  full  on  his  broad  back,  making  him 
a  target  that  would  delight  the  heart  of  any  archer 
who  ever  drew  string  to  ear.  He  shivered  in  spite  of 
his  courage,  in  fear  of  the  sudden  pang  which  he  him- 
self had  so  often  and  so  light-heartedly  dealt,  but  the 
shiver  was  because  his  back  was  toward  the  danger, 
and  he  told  himself  that  he  would  have  faced  certain 
death  with  equanimity  could  he  but  see  the  missile 
that  was  to  slay  him.  He  toiled  panting  up  the  hill, 
the  ground  crumbling  under  his  feet  and  making  prog- 
ress doubly  slow  and  tiresome,  wondering  why  the 
shaft  did  not  come.  At  last  there  was  a  swift  hum  at 
his  right  ear  like  the  sharp  baritone  of  an  enraged 
wasp.  Into  the  earth,  on  a  level  with  his  nose,  an  ar- 
row buried  itself  up  to  the  feather  on  its  shank.     He 


"»^ 


wm 


376 


TEKLA. 


f 


i     i 


almost  fancied  he  felt  the  sting  of  it,  and  his  hand 
went  up  to  his  ear  without  thought  on  his  part.  He 
turned  round  for  one  brief  moment,  and  w^ved  his 
hand  to  the  tall  man  across  the  valley,  then  struggled 
up  as  before.  The  second  arrow  came  as  close  to  his 
left  ear,  struck  a  ledge  of  rock  and  glanced  out  of 
sight.  Still  John  laboured  on  and  up.  After  a  simi- 
lar interval  had  passed  and  the  distant  bowman  saw 
he  did  not  intend  to  stop,  the  third  arrow  passed  his 
side,  grazing  his  doublet  on  a  level  with  his  panting 
heart.  The  hill  seemed  steeper  and  steeper,  and  John 
breathed  as  if  his  breast  would  burst,  the  breath  com- 
ing hot  as  steam  from  his  parched  throat.  He  seemed 
intuitively  to  know  when  the  next  arrow  would  come, 
and  it  came  exactly  on  the  moment,  not  passing  him 
as  the  others  haj  done,  but  tearing  his  doublet  and 
hanging!  there  between  the  skin  and  the  cloth,  yet  so 
far  as  John  could  tell  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment 
not  cutting  his  flesh.  He  paused,  turned,  and  lying 
back  against  the  hill,  gasped : 

"  Lord,  Roger,  what  a  marksman  you  are  ! " 
Even  his  lack  of  breath  could  not  disguise  the  ad- 
miration in  his  tone.  The  tall  archer  on  the  further 
side  leaned  forward  as  he  saw  the  other  apparently 
fall,  but  he  made  no  outcry.  There  was  still  one 
arrow  left,  and  he  held  it  notched  on  the  string.  The 
fugitive  lay  where  he  had  sunk  to  the  ground,  and 
closed  his  eyes  as  he  rested,  drawing  in  long  draughts 
of  air  while  his  heart  beat  like  the  drumming  of  a  par- 
tridge's wing.  It  was  but  a  short  distance  now  to  the 
crest  of  the  ridge,  and  once  over  that  he  was  safe,  but 
he  was  under  no  delusion  that  he  could  reach  shelter 
if  the  other  cared  to  use  his  remaining  shaft.  The  be- 
lief became  fixed  in  his  mind  that  he  would  be  killed 
at  the  last  moment,  just  as  he  reached  the  apex,  for 
he  knew  Roger  would  not  have  the  heart  to  slay  him 
sooner.  He  rose  slowly,  waved  his  hand,  and  set  him- 
self resolutely  to  the  remainder  of  the  task.  The  time 
passed  at  which  the  last  arrow  should  have  come,  but 
still  the  bowman  seemed  to  hesitate.    So  exhausted 


THE  FIVE  BILLETLESS  ARROWS.      377 

was  the  climber  that  he  struggled  up  the  last  few 
yards  of  the  terrible  ascent  on  his  hands  and  knees, 
grovelling  like  some  wild  beast,  the  sweat  from  his 
forehead  drenching  his  eyes  and  blinding  him.  With 
a  final  effort  he  stood  on  the  ridge,  turned  round,  and 
in  a  panic  of  rapidly  accumulated  fear  was  about  to 
precipitate  himself  down  the  opposite  slope  when  he 
was  saved  the  trouble  of  the  effort,  for  the  last  arrow 
rang  against  his  glittering  steel  cap,  the  impact  fling- 
ing him  on  the  loose  rubble,  half  stunned  by  the  blow. 
Through  his  brain  rang  the  thought,  repeated  nnd  re- 
peated : 

"  Roger  has  preferred  his  friend  to  his  oath." 
After  a  time  he  began  to  fear  he  was  reallv  jlain,  and 
to  convince  himself  that  life  was  still  in  him,  rose 
slowly,  standing  at  last  on  the  crest  of  the  ridpe,  wav- 
ing his  arms.  Roger  had  remained  like  a  statue  after 
his  last  shaft  had  sped,  his  gaze  fixed  on  the  spot 
where  his  friend  had  fallen.  When  he  saw  that 
Surrey  was  indeed  alive,  he  sat  down  and  buried  his 
face  in  his  hands. 


C' 


,  (." 


'^/ 


» 


CHAPTER   XXXVII. 


THE   TRAITOR  AND  HIS  PRICE. 


Of  all  those  gathered  in  the  large  tent,  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Treves  was  the  first  to  realise  that  the 
bundle  which  had  so  unexpectedly  dropped  down 
upon  them,  as  it  were,  from  the  skies,  was  a  man. 
The  dismal  groan  of  agony  which  had  marked  the 
sweep  of  the  strange  missile  along  the  table,  followed 
by  the  distant  words  from  the  direction  of  the  castle, 
caused  Von  Isenberg  to  fear  that  his  envoy  had  been 
captured  by  the  Black  Count,  probably  betrayed  by 
the  captain^  and  had  thus  been  flung  back  defiantly  to 
his  master  by  means  of  the  tower  catapult.  Whilst 
the  others  stood  horrified  and  amazed,  crossing  them- 
selves devoutly,  the  Archbishop  gave  a  quick  com- 
mand to  Bertrich. 

"  It  is  a  man,  inhumanly  bound,  and  thrown  thus 
to  his  death.  Cut  the  cords  that  imprison  him.  Call 
hither  a  physician,  although  I  fear  nothing  can  be 
done  for  him." 

Two  of  Bertrich's  men  lifted  the  bundle  from  the 
chair  and  placed  it  on  the  table.  Bertrich  himself, 
drawing  a  dagger,  at  once  severed  the  ropes,  and  the 
body,  of  its  own  accord,  relaxed  and  straightened  out, 
the  limbs  falling  into  a  natural  position  after  their 
constraint.  To  all  appearances  the  man  was  dead. 
They  turned  him  over,  his  ghastly  purple  face  appear- 
ing uppermost  in  view  of  those  who  craned  their 
necks  to  see. 

"  It  is  Steinmetz,  captain  of  the  castle,"  said 
Bertrich,  who  recognised  him. 

"  The  man  we  bought  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  Lord." 


THE  TRAITOR  AND  HIS  PRICE. 


379 


said 


"  Ah."  The  Archbishop's  interjection  was  long 
drawn  out.  "  That  explains  the  words  we  heard. 
The  mission  has  been  bungled,  and  probably  the 
envoys  are  prisoners." 

But  as  he  spoke  the  physician  entered,  followed  by 
the  envoys  themselves,  who  had  just  arrived  up  the 
hill  from  their  interrupted  conference.  The  physician 
announced  that  the  man  was  not  dead,  but  he  gave 
little  hope  of  his  recovery  after  such  frightful  usage. 
He  did  recover,  nevertheless,  and  lived  to  build  the 
chapel  on  the  Bladenburg,  standing  exactly  where  the 
great  tent  stood,  to  mark  the  spot  where  he  had  fallen 
and  had  been  so  miraculously  saved,  his  descent  being 
broken  by  the  tent  itself.  The  Archbishop  enriched 
the  traitor,  as  he  enriched  all  those  who  served  him, 
whether  they  were  successful  or  the  reverse,  and  part 
of  this  ill-gotten  gold  Steinmetz  expended  in  the 
erection  of  the  stone  chapel,  thus  showing  gratitude 
to  the  saint  who  had  intervened  on  his  behalf  in  the 
hour  of  his  direst  strait. 

The  chief  of  the  two  envoys  told  von  Isenberg  how 
their  meeting  with  the  captain  under  the  walls  of  the 
castle  had  been  interrupted.  The  gold  had  been  given 
to  Steinmetz,  they  said,  and  this  the  Archbishop  be- 
lieved, because  he  had  heard  the  wild  cry  of  the  Black 
Count. 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  turned  to  his  colleague 
of  Cologne,  and  said : 

"  This  unlooked-for  incident  may  make  an  entire 
change  in  my  plans.  I  must  have  further  information 
before  deciding  what  I  shall  do.  If  Steinmetz  lives, 
and  is  in  his  right  mind,  we  shall,  for  [the  first  time, 
have  accurate  tidings  of  the  state  of  things  in  the 
interior  of  Thuron.  It  may  be  that  the  Count  has 
supplies  we  know  not  of ;  if  such  is  the  case,  and  if 
you  still  hold  it  well  to  raise  the  siege,  we  will  then 
leave  this  place  together,  you  for  Cologne,  I  for 
Treves.  I  trust,  my  Lord,  that  you  will  agree  to  do 
nothing  de^nite  until  we  have  further  consultation 
with  each  other." 


f~ 


380 


TEKLA. 


,\ 


"  I  will  so  agree,"  replied  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne. 

\'/ith  this  the  high  dignitaries  parted  for  the  night, 
to  meet  next  morning  in  the  conference  tent.  Day 
had  broken  before  the  unfortunate  Steinmetz  was  able 
to  speak.  All  his  former  truculence  had  departed, 
and  although  his  bones  were  whole,  thanks  to  the 
intercepting  tent,  his  nervous  system  was  shattered, 
and  he  seemed  but  a  wreck  of  the  bold  soldier  he  had 
once  been.  When  brought  before  the "  two  Arch- 
bishops, supported  by  a  man  on  either  side  of  him, 
there  was  alarmed  apprehension  in  his  roving  eyes, 
and  he  started  at  the  slightest  sound. 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  questioned  him  gently, 
speaking  in  a  soothing  monotone. 

"  I  surmise  that  you  were  thrown  hither  from  the 
catapult  on  the  north  tower.     Was  that  the  case  ?  " 

The  captain  bowed  and  shuddered,  making  no 
audible  reply. 

"  Your  master,  then,  discovered  that  you  intended 
surrendering  the  castle  to  me.  How  did  this  knowl- 
edge come  to  him  ?  " 

Captain  Steinmetz  moistened  his  lips  and  in  halting 
words  related  what  had  occurred  in  the  courtyard  of 
the  castle. 

"  The  money  sent  by  me  has  therefore  been  lost  to 
you  ? "  said  the  Archbishop,  when  the  recital  was 
finished. 

"Yes,  my  Lord." 

"  I  would  like  to  say  that  I  make  the  loss  mine,  and 
will  pay  to  you  the  whole  sum  originally  agreed  upon, 
as  I  am  convinced  you  have  done  your  best  to  termi- 
nate a  struggle  which,  so  far  as  Count  Heinrich  is  con- 
cerned, was  hopeless  from  the  first.  I  have  some 
curiosity  to  know  how  near  starvation  is  to  those 
within  the  castle." 

Captain  Steinmetz  hesitated. 

"  There  are  two  reasons  why  you  may  be  loath  to 
answer  truthfully.  The  first  is  loyalty  to  your  late 
master,  but  circumstances  have  caused  me  to  appre- 
hend that  this  consideration  docs  not  press  heavily 


r,i 


THE  TRAITOR  AND  HIS  PRICE.        381 

upon  you.  The  second  is  that  if  starvation  is  within 
measurable  distance,  you  may  imagine  that  I  repent 
paying  good  gold  for  a  place  shortly  to  be  mine  for 
nothing.  It  was  to  remove  this  impression  that  I 
stated  to  you  a  moment  ago  that  the  stipulated 
amount  will  be  paid  in  full,  not  deducting  the  coins 
scattered  in  the  castle  yard.  Therefore,  answer  truly : 
how  stands  Thuron  as  regards  famine  ?  " 

"  Famine  is  now  there,  my  Lord." 

"  You  mean  they  are  already  on  short  rations  ?  " 

"  We  have  been  on  short  rations  for  a  long  time 
past.  I  mean  there  is  not  enough  food  to  keep  the 
garrison  alive  for  another  ten  days." 

"  You  are  sure  of  that  ?  " 

"Absolutely  sure,  my  Lord." 

"  Were  you  never  able  to  get  into  the  castle  even  a 
scant  supply  from  outside  our  lines?  " 

"  We  tried  it  often  enough,  but  never  succeeded." 

"  Ah,"  ejaculated  the  Archbishop  with  satisfaction  ; 
then  turning  to  his  Lordship  of  Cologne,  he  added : 

"  That  is  a  compliment  to  our  united  forces,  my 
Lord.  I  like  to  see  a  thing  well  done,  when  it  is  at- 
tempted, although  I  confess  a  more  active  campaign 
would  have  pleased  me  better.  This  close  blockade, 
therefore,  I  look  upon  as  a  triumph  more  personal  to 
yourself,  perhaps,  than  to  me." 

"  I  trust  my  natural  humility  of  mind  will  keep  me 
from  being  too  proud  of  it,"  replied  his  Lordship  of 
Cologne,  in  dubious  tones. 

"  You  think,  then,  that  Thuron  cannot  hold  out 
many  days  longer  ?  "  continued  Treves,  again  address- 
ing Steinmetz. 

"  If  the  surrounding  lint  is  held  as  tightly  as  it  has 
been,"  answered  the  captain,  "  Count  Heinrich  must 
surrender  or  starve." 

"  I  see  you  are  exhausted  and  will  question  you  no 
more.     You  may  retire." 

Captain  Steinmetz,  assisted  by  his  two  supporters, 
left  the  Archbishops  together.  Arnold  von  Isenberg 
sat  silent  in  his  place,  making  no  co'-nmcnt  on   the 


K  .. 


I    I 


I 


I 


I    i 
i    I 


382 


TEKLA. 


cross-examination.  Conrad  von  Hochstaden  walked 
up  and  down  the  tent  with  bowed  head,  absorbed  in 
thought.  He  was  apparently  waiting  for  the  Lord  of 
Treves  to  speak  first,  but  the  other  sat  motionless  and 
speechless,  narrowly  watching  the  movements  of  his 
reluctant  ally. 

"  I  suppose,"  said  von  Hochstaden  at  last,  pausing 
in  his  promenade,  "  that  you  now  expect  me  to  remain 
in  co-operation  with  you  until  the  castle  falls." 

"  I  am  not  sure  that  I  expect  anything.  I  am  wait- 
ing to  hear  your  views,  as  all  the  circumstances  of  the 
case  are  now  before  you.  I  admit  that  I  am  dis- 
appointed over  the  failure  of  my  latest  plan  ;  still,  such 
is  the  risk  all  must  run  who  attempt  anything.  The 
man  who  never  faJs  is  the  man  who  never  tries." 

"  If  I,  could  be  sure  this  fellow  speaks  the  truth " 

"  He  does  speak  the  truth." 

"  How  can  you  know  ?  " 

"  Because  it  is  not  to  his  interest  to  tell  a  lie.  He 
has  placed  the  period  of  proving  his  words  too  near  at 
hand  to  make  dealing  with  fiction  entirely  safe.  A 
prophet  who  sets  a  day  for  the  fulfilment  of  his  pre- 
diction must  be  either  a  true  seer  or  a  fool.  Steinmetz 
is  no  fool." 

"  You  think,  perhaps,  that  I  should  be  a  fool  to  stand 
by  you  for  two  years  and  withdraw  when  the  task  is 
within  ten  days  of  completion." 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  spread  out  his  hands  de- 
precatingly,  and  slightly  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

**  I  should  hesitate  before  I  ventured  to  express  an 
opinion  in  terms  so  strong  as  those  you  have  sug- 
gested :  I  wait  rather  to  hear  your  own  judgment, 
hoping  the  verdict  will  be  one  with  which  I  can  cor- 
dially and  conscientiously  agree." 

"  Very  well.  It  would  be  an  act  of  folly  to  with- 
draw now  that  we  are  apparently  within  sight  of  the 
goal.  I  will,  therefore,  double  the  time  held  to  be  re- 
quired, and  will  remain  your  faithful  ally  for  twenty 
days  longer.  If,  at  the  end  of  that  period,  the  castle 
is  not  in  your  possession,  you  will  place  no  obstacle 


);i 


»» 


re- 


THE  TRAITOR  AND  HIS  PRICE.        383 

in  the  way  of  my  retirement  to  Cologne.  If  that  does 
not  meet  with  your  approval,  then  make  a  proposal  to 
me." 

*'  I  agree,  and  would  have  agreed  had  you  placed 
the  limit  at  ten  days,  so  confident  am  I  that  the  gar- 
rison of  Thuron  are  at  this  moment  in  the  direst 
straits.  If  unforeseen  circumstances  ma'.ce  it  necessary 
for  you  to  retire  at  the  end  of  twenty  days,  I  also  will 
retire  at  the  same  time,  and  thus  we  will  share  defeat  as 
we  would  have  shared  victory.  Meanwhile,  I  suggest 
that  until  the  twenty  days  have  expired,  it  is  necessary 
for  both  you  and  me  to  remain  in  this  camp,  for  the 
castle  may  fall  at  any  moment,  and  I  desire  that  we 
march  through  its  gates  together,  and  raise  the  flag  of 
Cologne  on  one  tower  and  the  flag  of  Treves  on  the 
other.  I  trust  there  is  nothing  impending  that  will 
make  your  return  to  Cologne,  during  this  time,  imper- 
ative ?  " 

"  No.  It  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  be  in  Cologne 
until  the  middle  of  August.  I  have  set  the  fourteenth 
of  that  month  as  the  day  on  which  the  corner  stone  of 
my  cathedral  is  to  be  laid,  and  I  wish  to  have 
my  hands  free  of  blood  and  myself  free  from  feud 
before  then,  so  that  God's  blessing  may  rest  on  the 
edifice." 

"  Such  a  condition  is  \nost  exemplary  and  most 
necessary,"  said  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  with  some 
suspicion  of  a  sneer  in  his  tone.  "  I  make  no  doubt 
but  your  cathedral  will  be  a  beautiful  building,  and 
thrice  biessed  in  the  admitted  sanctity  of  its  founder. 
Well ;  we  shall  have  ample  time  for  the  cleansing  of 
hands  before  the  fourteenth,  not  that  there  has  been 
much  blood  to  smear  them  for  the  past  two  years,  but 
if  your  mind  is  ill  at  ease,  I  shall  be  happy,  in  the  in- 
terests of  good  architecture,  to  be  your  confessor,  and 
send  you  to  the  laying  of  the  foundation  stone  fully 
absolved.  It  is  then  agreed  that  for  twenty  days  we 
remain  partners." 

Thus  the  two  Archbishops  concluded  their  bargain, 
thinking  perhaps  of  many  events  that  might  intervene 


Li 


384 


TEKLA. 


thoT^h?  l^^'lJ^^'P^  f^i  its  realisation,  but  giving  no 
thought   to    the   real    thunder-cloud    that    had    been 

no  tnoXr    ''?^  ^°  ^^^  '^"*^  ^^  *h^"^'  and  having 
no  knowledge  of  a  young  man  at  that  moment  making 
his  way  through  the  forest  to  the  east  of  the  Rhine 
his  face  set  direct  for  Frankfort.  ' 


r.i 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS. 

John  Surrey,  the  archer,  stumbled  wearily  down 
the  crumbling  shale  of  the  steep  hill,  guided  by  the  low 
signal  cry  that  sounded  at  intervals  from  the  edge  of 
the  Moselle.  He  found,  on  arriving  breathless  at  the 
river,  that  Conrad  had  secured  a  boat,  which,  pole  in 
hand,  he  held  against  the  bank  while  Rodolph  stood 
on  shore  impatiently  awaiting  the  coming  of  his 
henchman.  They  were  too  near  Aiken  for  any  con- 
versation to  take  place,  and  the  moment  Surrey 
arrived,  the  Emperor  stepped  into  the  skiff,  motioning 
the  archer  to  follow.  Conrad  pushed  the  boat  away 
from  the  bank,  and  standing  upright,  poled  it  down 
stream,  keeping  close  to  the  southern  shore,  so  as  to 
be  in  the  deep  shadow  of  *he  hills.  There  was,  how- 
ever, little  need  for  extreme  caution.  The  whole 
attention  of  the  besieging  forces  was  concentrated  in 
keeping  intact  the  line  around  the  castle,  and  no 
thought  was  given  to  what  was  passing  outside  that 
circle.  The  contest  had  been  going  on  so  long  that 
the  country  had  come  to  look  upon  it  as  the  natural 
condition  of  the  locality,  and  ordinary  traffic  up  and 
down  the  river  went  to  and  fro  as  usual.  Three  men 
were  therefore  unlikely  to  attract  much  attention 
merely  because  they  were  floating  along  the  stream  to 
that  great  thoroughfare  of  commerce,  the  lordly 
Rhine.  The  distance  to  Coblentz  being  slightly  more 
than  four  leagues,  and  the  current  tolerably  swift,  the 
Emperor  expected  to  reach  the  larger  river  before  the 
day  dawned,  short  as  the  nights  were,  and  in  this  he 
was  not  disappointed.  The  expedition  passed  un- 
challenged into  the  Rhine,  and  continued  across  that 


386 


TEKLA. 


river,  coming  to  land  opposite  Coblentz.  Here  the 
archer,  who  had  slept  soundly  during  the  voyage,  set 
out  to  forage  for  food,  while  Conrad,  his  pouch  well 
filled  with  the  gold  of  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  a 
quantity  of  the  coin  having  been  taken  for  use  while 
they  were  within  his  Lordship's  sphere  of  influence, 
began  his  search  for  three  riding  horses  that  would 
carry  the  party  to  Frankfort.  The  purchase  was 
speedily  effected,  for  there  was  a  depot  on  each  side 
of  the  river  for  the  sale  or  hiring  of  steeds,  merchants 
from  Treves  going  by  one  bank  to  Mayence  or  along 
the  other  to  Frankfort  being  the  chief  customers  of 
these  horse  dealers.  Conrad  was  instructed  to  pro- 
claim himself  an  emissary  of  the  Archbishop  of  Treves, 
should  he  be  questioned,  and  the  Emperor  rightly 
anticipated  that  no  one  would  undertake  to  molest 
the  minion  of  so  powerful  and  haughty  a  Prince.  But 
Rodolph,  not  being  certain  what  state  of  feeling 
existed  between  the  Archbishop  of  Mayence  and  his 
proud  brother  of  Tieves,  now  in  active  alliance  with 
Cologne,  was  not  so  sure  that  a  proclamation  of  de- 
pendence on  Treves  would  serve  to  protect  them 
further  up  the  river,  and  so  resolved  to  avoid  the 
Rhine  route,  striking  instead  across  the  country  direct 
to  Frankfort,  taking  as  his  path  the  hypotenuse  of 
that  huge  triangle,  at  the  three  extreme  points  of 
which  stood  Frankfort,  Mayence,  and  Coblentz.  The 
distance  as  the  crow  flies  is  scarcely  more  than  seven- 
teen leagues,  but  Rodolph  knew  the  way  would  be 
rough,  up  hill  and  down,  with  numerous  streams  to 
ford,  and  finally  the  Taurus  range  to  cross,  but  the 
course  seemed  safer  than  risking  detention  by  the 
Archbishop  of  Mayence,  or  by  some  stupid,  obstinate 
robber  Baron  along  the  banks  of  the  Rhine. 

The  early  dawn  was  just  breaking  as,  having  finished 
the  hastily-prepared  meal — the  first  satisfactory  and 
full  repast  the  archer  or  Rodolph  had  enjoyed  for 
some  days — the  three  set  off  up  the  Rhine  until  the 
Lahn  was  crossed ;  then  they  struck  into  the  pathless 
forest.    At  various  points  they  engaged  woodmen  or 


I;! 


THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS. 


387 


*  charcoal  burners  to  guide  them,  dismissing  a  man 
when  he  came  to  the  limit  of  his  local  knowledge,  and 
securing  another  when  another  was  to  be  found.  The 
legend  of  that  journey  remained  in  the  district  for 
many  a  long  day,  for  each  guide,  instead  of  being  cast 
aside  with  a  blow  for  his  trouble,  as  was  the  custom  of 
the  country,  was  given  a  bright  gold  coin  with  the 
effigy  of  the  Archbishop  upon  it,  each  piece  represent- 
ing untold  wealth  to  the  happy  possessor.  It  came 
ultimately  to  be  rumoured  that  it  was  the  Emperor 
himself  who  made  this  golden  pilgrimage,  and  how  such 
rumour  had  its  origin  no  one  can  rightly  surmise ; 
but,  although  the  tale  is  devoutly  believed  by  the 
peasantry,  careful  historians  have  proved  conclusively 
that  it  is  a  myth,  for  they  show  that  the  Emperor  was 
then  returning  triumphantly  from  the  Holy  Land, 
and  consequently  must  have  approached  Frankfort 
from  the  east,  and  not  from  the  north. 

When  the  sun  was  at  its  highest  altitude  the  party 
halted  and  rested  for  two  hours  or  more  in  a  rude 
hamlet  on  the  borders  of  a  stream  in  the  depths  of 
the  forest ;  there  they  had  their  second  meal,  after- 
wards proceeding  on  their  journey.  Having  secured 
a  guide  in  the  village,  Rodolph  was  anxious  to  reach 
the  foot  of  the  Taurus  mountains  before  night,  for 
there  he  was  confident  they  would  come  on  the  Ro- 
man road  that  led  over  the  range  directly  into  Frank- 
fort. This  they  accomplished,  and  once  they  were  on 
the  road  all  fear  of  losing  their  way  left  them.  It  had 
now  become  merely  a  question  of  endurance  so  far  as 
the  horses  were  concerned.  Conrad  made  no  com- 
plaint, doing  all  that  was  required  of  him  without 
grumbling,  apparently  untouched  by  fatigue  ;  but  the 
two  years  of  inactivity  in  the  castle  had  left  the  stout 
archer,  never  a  good  horseman,  entirely  unprepared 
for  such  exercise.  He  besought  his  master  to  rest  for 
the  night  at  the  foot  of  the  Taurus  and  continue 
their  expedition  in  the  morning. 

"  I  know  something  of  cities,  my  Lord,"  he  said, 
**  and  have  been  present  at  the  taking  of  many.     We 


388 


TEKLA. 


will  not  be  allowed  within  the  gates  to-night  even 
if  we  reach  the  walls.  Therefore  will  it  be  useless  for 
us  to  proceed  further,  for  our  horses  are  well  nigh  ex- 
hausted as  it  is,  and  no  wonder,  for  the  poor  brutes 
have  come  through  more  to-day  than  any  animal 
should  be  called  upon  to  endure  in  such  space  of 
time.  Besides,  as  I  have  said,  the  gates  will  be  closed 
and  you  could  not  get  in  were  you  the  Archbishop 
himself."  i 

"  We  shall  be  the  readier  to  enter  in  the  morning," 
answered  Rodolph  sleepily,  drowsing  by  the  fire  on 
which  their  supper  was  being  prepared. 

"  But,  my  Lord,  outside  the  walls  there  are  usually 
gathered  rough  characters, — Egyptians  and  cut- 
throats, who,  for  the  sake  of  one  of  our  gold  pieces, 
will  murder  us  all  without  compunction  and  with 
but  sma^l  chance  of  being  punished  for  it,  not  that 
punishment  would  matter  to  us  who  lay  there  robbed 
with  our  throats  sundered.  Here  we  may  sleep  safe, 
but  a  man's  life  is  not  worth  a  broken  arrow  outside 
the  walls  of  Frankfort  in  the  night  time  with  the  gates 
closed." 

"  I  know  Frankfort  well,  having  being  a  resident  of 
the  city,  so  it  is  unlikely  you  can  give  me  information 
regarding  it.  You  must  not  forget  that  while  we  eat 
freely  here  our  comrades  in  Thuron  starve ;  therefore, 
we  reach  Frankfort  sometime  between  now  and  dawn, 
the  sooner  to  dispatch  sustenance  and  help  to  our 
friends,  if  it  prove  to  be  in  our  power  to  send  them 
aid." 

"  Oh,  I  am  as  anxious  as  any  can  be  to  send  help  to 
Thuron,  and  food  as  well,  but  nothing  can  be  done  in 
a  sleeping  city,  and,  if  we  are  ourselves  killed  in  our 
hurry,  that  will  be  small  comfort  to  the  Black  Count 
and  those  with  him.  I  am  for  making  haste  with 
caution." 

"  If  you  are  tired,  my  good  archer,  have  the  courage 
to  admit  it,  and  then  rest  you  here,  to  follow  when 
your  convenience  suits." 

"  I  am  'not  tired,  at  least  not  more  so  than  a  man 


THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS. 


389 


may  without  shame  confess,  who  has  come  such  a 
heathenish  journey ;  but  I  see  not  the  use  of  such 
eagerness  to  reach  a  city  that  will  be  sound  asleep 
when  we  get  there." 

"  Then  we  will  awaken  it,  and  so  we  may  consider 
the  discussion  ended." 

With  many  groans  the  archer  got  him  on  his  patient 
horse  again,  and  during  the  journey  tried  various  de- 
vices to  make  travelling  easier  for  himself.  He  sat 
sideways  on  the  animal,  with  his  feet  dangling  now  on 
the  right  and  now  on  the  left.  Then  he  tried  to  lie 
down  but  nearly  fell  off ;  then  he  sat  with  face  to  the 
rear,  but  this  brought  no  amelioration.  At  last  he 
rolled  himself  to  the  ground  and  swore  he  would  walk 
the  rest  of  the  distance ;  indeed  it  was  easy  to  keep 
pace  with  the  jaded  beasts  who  were  now  mounting  the 
steep  acclivity  that  leads  to  the  heights  of  the  range. 
At  the  summit  the  moon  shone  full  on  the  wide  plain 
below,  and  the  Emperor  almost  persuaded  himself 
that  he  saw  the  ancient  city  of  Frankfort.  They 
passed,  with  some  caution,  the  stronghold  of  Konig- 
stein,  frowning  down  upon  them  in  the  moonlight, 
looking  like  a  castle  of  white  marble,  and  the  Em- 
peror breathed  a  sigh  of  relief  when  it  was  well  in  the 
rear  with  the  trio  still  unmolested. 

When  at  length  the  north  gate  of  the  capital  was 
reached  they  found  it  in  truth  barred  against  them,  as 
the  archer  had  so  confidently  predicted.  Rodolph 
rapped  thrice  upon  it  with  the  hilt  of  his  sword. 

"  You  might  as  well  try  to  hammer  down  the  wall," 
said  a  figure  that  rose  out  of  the  shadow.  "  They 
will  not  open.     We  have  tried  it." 

"  It  is  folly  to  open  to  any  chance  comer  in  a  forti- 
fied town,"  grumbled  the  archer.  "  I  knew  well  how  it 
would  be." 

But  as  he  spoke  three  raps  were  heard  on  the  inner 
side  of  the  gate,  which  Rodolph  immediately  answered 
with  two,  whereupon  a  small  door  at  the  side  was 
opened  slightly,  and  a  voice  asked  : 

"Who  knocks?" 


390 


TEKLA. 


H, 


"The silk  merchant,"  answered  Rodolph.      i 

"  Travelling  from  where  ?  " 

"  Travelling  from  Treves." 

At  once  the  small  gate  was  closed  and  the  bolts 
drawn  from  the  larger  leaves,  which  were  then  slowly 
swung  apart. 

A  crowd  had  rapidly  gathered  at  the  sound  of  the 
blows  on  the  gate,  and  now  tried  to  press  through,  but 
two  soldiers  with  pikes  beat  them  back.  When  Con- 
rad and  the  archer  had  followed  their  master,  the  gates 
were  closed  and  barred  again.  The  three  horsemen 
found  themselves  under  a  dark  echoing  archway  of 
stone,  from  the  black  mouth  of  which  was  given  a 
view  of  a  narrow  moonlit  street. 

"  You  have  a  guide  here  for  me?  "  said  Rodolph. 

"  Yes,  my  Lord.  He  is  to  take  you  to  the  Golden 
Flagon." 

"  That  is  right.  Let  him  lead  on  at  once,  for  we 
have  had  a  long  journey." 

A  soldier  stepped  out  into  the  light  and  the  three 
followed  him.  He  led  them  through  the  narrow  wind- 
ing streets  of  the  city,  flanked  by  tall  houses  whose 
overhanging  gables  caused  the  thoroughfares  to  seem 
more  cramped  than  they  actually  were.  At  last  he 
came  to  a  street  so  much  wider  than  the  others  that 
it  might  have  been  termed  a  square,  and  on  one  side 
of  it  stood  the  hostelry,  from  whose  front  the  golden 
flagon  swung  in  token  of  the  good  wine  to  be  had 
within.  Here  all  was  silent,  and  the  three  horsemen 
sat  where  they  were,  while  the  soldier  hammered  with 
the  end  of  his  pike  against  a  door.  When  it  was 
opened  there  was  a  whispered  colloquy,  and  then 
some  sleepy  stable  boys  were  roused  to  take  charge  of 
the  horses  of  the  belated  guests,  while  the  landlord 
himself  invited  them  to  enter. 

Rodolph  swung  himself  from  his  exhausted  steed, 
the  others  following  his  example ;  the  archer,  who  had 
ridden  from  the  summit  of  the  Taurus,  descending 
with  painful  slowness  and  extreme  care. 

"  Take    supper  here,"   said    Rodolph   to  his  men, 


THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS. 


391 


"  and  then  to  rest.  I  am  sure  you  need  it.  Do  not 
leave  this  house  until  I  come  or  send  for  you.  And 
now  good-night." 

"  Are  you  not  coming  in  also,  my  Lord  ?  *'  asked 
Conrad,  in  surprise. 

"  No.     My  night's  work  is  just  beginning." 

"  Then  I  shall  go  with  you,  my  Lord." 

"  No.  Rest  now,  for  I  may  need  you  early  in  the 
morning.  Soldier,  you  are  to  be  my  guide  for  a  short 
distance  farther." 

The  soldier  bowed  and  apparently  needed  no  fur- 
ther instruction,  for  he  led  Rodolph  through  his  capi- 
tal until  at  length  they  came  to  a  small  portal  at  the 
rear  of  the  Emperor's  palace. 

"  This  is  the  place,  my  Lord,"  he  said,  resting  pike 
on  butt  and  standing  in  attitude  of  attention. 

Rodolph  knocked  thrice  against  the  door,  which 
signal  was  answered  as  it  had  been  at  the  gate.  Again 
he  announced  himself  as  the  silk  merchant  from 
Treves,  and  s  j  was  admitted.  Dismissing  the  soldier, 
Rodolph  proce  :ded  along  a  narrow  passage  and  then 
up  a  stair  into  a  wider  hall.  He  was  now  on  familiar 
ground,  and  walked  briskly  without  hesitation  until 
he  approached  a  wide  entrance,  outside  which  two 
soldiers  stood  on  guard. 

The  Emperor  drew  his  enveloping  cloak  more 
closely  about  him,  for  his  worn  costume  was  not  in 
such  condition  as  befitted  a  monarch,  but  the  ample 
cloak  covered  its  defects.  The  soldiers  saluted  and 
Rodolph  passed  between  them  into  a  large  ante-cham- 
ber, in  which,  late  as  it  was,  a  number  of  officers  and 
messengers  sat  on  benches  round  the  walls,  while  a 
group  of  the  higher  ranks  stood  talking  together  in 
low  tones.  The  room  of  Baron  von  Brunfels  was  be- 
yond, and  at  the  communication  between  the  two 
apartments  heavy  crimson  curtains  of  great  thickness 
hung,  their  tasseled  fringes  spreading  over  the  floor. 
Here  two  soldiers  also  stood,  fully  armed.  On  the 
entrance  of  the  Emperor  all  who  were  seated  sprang 
instantly  to  their  feet,  making  low  obeisance,  which 


i 


392 


TEKLA. 


/'I 


\ 


back  for  him,  and  the 
thick  were   the  walls 


his  Majesty  acknowledged  with  an  incHnation  of  the 
head. 

"Is  Baron  von  Brunfels  within?"  asked  Rodolph, 
addressing  the  senior  General. 

*'  Yes,  your  Majesty." 

"Alone?" 

"  Yes,  your  Majesty." 

"  I  will  enter  unannounced." 

The  heavy  curtain  was  held 
Emperor  passed  through.  So 
that  the  recess  between  the  outer  and  inner  curtains 
might  almost  itself  be  termed  a  small  apartment. 
Motioning  away  the  attendant,  who  would  have 
drawn  back  the  inner  curtains  also,  the  Emperor  him- 
self drew  them  aside  and  entered. 

At  a  large  table,  littered  with  documents  and  lit  by 
a  small  Roman  lamp,  sat  a  haggard,  careworn  man,  at 
whom  Rodolph  had  to  look  twice  or  thrice  before  he 
recognised  his  faithful  servitor  and  firm  and  loyal 
friend,  Baron  von  Brunfels.  His  dark  hair  had  become 
sprinkled  with  grey  since  Rodolph  last  saw  him,  and 
as  the  Emperor  stood  motionless  with  his  back  against 
the  crimson  hangings  the  great  love  he  felt  for  the 
man  lit  up  his  eyes,  while  remembrance  of  the  anxiety 
he  must  have  caused  the  Baron  by  an  abrupt  and 
long  unexplained  disappearance  gave  Rodolph  a  thrill 
of  pain.  He  had  never  before  realised  what  that 
disappearance  had  meant  for  Baron  von  Brunfels. 
Although  there  was  no  sound  in  the  room,  the  Baron 
looked  suddenly  up,  craned  forward  and  peered  across 
the  table,  gazing  with  startled  anxiety  into  the  com- 
parative darkness  at  the  other  end  of  the  room.  The 
Emperor,  with  clanking  spurs,  took  a  rapid  step  or  two 
forward. 

"  Rodolph  ! "  cried  Brunfels,  in  a  husky  undertone, 
springing  to  his  feet.  He  seemed  about  to  advance, 
but  something  failed  within  him,  and  he  leaned  heavily 
against  the  table,  crying,  with  a  sob  in  his  voice  : 

"  I  thank  :}od  !     I  thank  God  !  " 

The  young  Emperor  strode  quickly  to  his  friend. 


THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS. 


393 


of  the 
Qdolph, 


nd  the 
e  walls 
urtains 
rtment. 
I  have 
)r  him- 

litby 
nan,  at 
ore  he 
I  loyal 
become 
m,  and 
against 
for  the 
inxiety 
3t  and 
a  thrill 
at  that 
•unfels. 
Baron 

across 
e  com- 
.  The 
or  two 

ertone, 
Ivance, 
lieavily 


friend, 


his  hands  upraised,  and  brought  them  down  on  the 
shoulders  of  the  Baron,  whom  he  drew  towards  him 
in  a  cordial  embrace. 

"  My  old  friend,"  he  said,  repressing  with  difficulty 
the  emotion  that  threatened  to  overmaster  him.  **  My 
dear  old  friend,  you  are  not  more  glad  L  >  see  me  than 
I  am  to  see  you.  But  I  have  brought  an  insistent 
personage  with  me  other  than  Rodolph,  and  he 
clamours  for  attention.  " 

"He!  Whom?"  replied  the  Ba  "on,  looking  about 
him  with  apprehension,  fearing  that  his  friendly  greet- 
ing might  have  had  a  witness,  and  that  thus  unwit- 
tingly he  had  embarrassed  his  sovereign. 

"  The  Emperor  is  here,  Brunfels,  with  weighty 
matters  on  his  mind  that  will  permit  of  no  delay. 
The  Emperor  has  at  last  arrived  ;  I  doubt  if  you  have 
ever  met  him  before." 

"  He  will  have  most  cordial  welcome  and  support 
from  me." 

"  He  counts  upon  you,  as  on  no  other  in  the  world. 
How  many  men  have  you  encamped  on  the  Rhine?  " 

"  Forty  thousand,  your  Majesty." 

**  Above  or  below  Mayence  ?  " 

"  Above.  I  thought  it  well  not  to  pass  Mayence 
until  I  received  your  Majesty's  definite  order." 

"You  were  right.  They  are  in  divisions  of  ten 
thousand  men,  competently  commanded,  if  I  ac- 
curately understood  your  message.  Detach  ten  thou- 
sand at  once  under  the  commander  in  whom  you  have 
most  confidence,  and  send  them  along  the  Roman 
road  to  Treves.  My  officer  will  announce  to  whomso- 
ever he  find ')  in  command  there  that  I  am  about  to 
pay  a  visit  of  state  to  his  Lordship  of  Treves,  and 
that  my  men  are  to  enter  and  occupy  the  town  until 
my  arrival." 

"  If  they  meet  opposition  are  they  to  attack  Treves 
and  capture  it?  " 

"  They  will  not  be  opposed.  They  go  in  the  name 
of  the  Emperor,  the  overlord  of  the  Archbishop.  If 
the  Archbishop  himself  is  there  he  will  not  be  so  fool- 


394 


TEKLA. 


ill 


.  i 


ish  as  to  oppose  the  entrance  of  my  troops;  if  he  is 
not  there  I  doubt  if  any  subordinate  will  have  the 
courage  to  embroil  him  with  his  sovereign  in  his  ab- 
sence. However,  if  the  unexpected  happens  and  my 
troops  are  refused  admittance,  let  them  encamp  quietly 
on  the  plain  between  Treves  and  Zurlauben  until  I  ar- 
rive, not  giving  battle  unless  they  are  themselves  at- 
tacked. In  that  case  they  are  to  take  Treves  if  they 
can.  Send  a  horseman  at  once  with  these  orders,  and 
see  that  this  detachment  is  away  before  daybreak  if 
possible.  The  other  three  battalions  are  to  proceed 
immediately  down  the  Rhine  to  Coblentz.  No  one 
on  the  road  will  dispute  the  passage  of  thirty  thousand 
men,  but  i^  opposition  takes  shape  they  are  to  go 
through  to  Coblentz  at  all  cost.  Reaching  Coblentz 
ten  thousand  men  are  to  march  to  Cologne  on  exactly 
the  same  terms  as  the  division  that  has  gone  to  Treves. 
The  remaining  twenty  thousand  are  to  halt  at  Coblentz 
until  we  come  up  with  them,  although  it  is  likely  we 
shall  overtake  them  before  they  reach  there.  Have 
you  a  thousand  well-mounted  men?" 

"  Five  thousand,  your  Majesty,  and  more  if  you 
need  them." 

"  In  the  morning,  draw  up  across  the  square  oppo- 
site the  Palace  a  thousand  picked  men.  T'ley  are  to  be 
my  bodyguard,  and  with  them  I  shall  ric  e  to  Coblentz. 
I  shall  ride  my  best  white  charger,  and  I  trust  my 
silver  armour  has  not  been  allowed  to  rust.  I  confess, 
Brunfels,  that  I  am  resolved  to  undertake  this  initial 
state  journey  through  my  empire  .;^ith  something 
more  of  pomp  than  has  been  my  custom,  for  although 
I  care  as  little  for  the  trappings  of  imperial  power  as 
any  monk  in  my  realm,  yet  display  is  not  without  its 
effect  on  the  minds  of  many,  and  I  have  set  to  myself 
the  task  of  not  only  overmastering  the  two  Arch- 
bishops but  out-dazzling  them  in  splendour  as  well. 
We  have  brute  force  on  our  side,  which  is  an  argument 
they  have  used  so  often  themselves  that  they  will  have 
no  difficulty  in  understanding  it  when  they  find  it  op- 
posed to  them  ;  let  us  have,  then,  in  addition  to  that,  the 
gorgeousness  which  gives  decorative  effect  to  power," 


t» 


THE  INCOGNITO  FALLS. 


r.i 


395 


i» 


Baron  von  Brunfels  glanced  shrewdly  at  his  master, 
a  slight  smile  parting  his  lips,  the  first  that  had  come 
to  them  for  nigh  upon  two  years. 

"  The  splendour  has  been  provided  as  well  as  the 
force,  your  Majesty,  Am  I  to  take  it  as  a  fact  that 
the  Countess  Tekla  is  within  the  fortress  of  Thuron,  as 
has  been  rumoured  ?  You  made  no  mention  of  the 
lady  in  your  messages,  and  I  could  only  guess  that  such 
was  the  case,  because  the  monk  who  carried  our  de- 
spatches reported  that  a  lady  of  marvellous  beauty  sat 
at  your  table." 

The  Emperor's  eye  twinkled  as  he  answered. 

"  The  Countess  Tekla  is  wi.hin  the  walls  of  Thuron, 
and  before  many  days,  old  Brunfels,  the  Empress 
Tekla  will  be  within  the  walls  of  Frankfort.  You  will 
shortly  see  such  a  wedding.  Baron,  in  this  stately  city, 
that  I  am  sure  it  will  shake  your  firm  resolution  to  re- 
main a  bachelor.  She  is  the  divinest  maid,  Siegfried, 
that  ever  trod  this  earth,  and  for  her  sake  I  will  be 
Emperor  in  fact  as  well  as  in  name." 

"  The  Empress  shall  command,  as  she  fully  merits, 
our  utmost  devotion,  your  Majesty." 

•*  That  is  right,  old  warrior  ;  get  your  courtly  phrases 
in  train,  i'or  I  expect  we  shall  have  little  fighting  to 
interfere  with  their  use.  Indeed,  I  confidently  look 
for  the  assistance  of  all  three  Archbishops  at  the  cere- 
mony, and  the  especial  blessing  of  the  high  prelate  of 
Treves.  And  now,  my  good  Brunfels,  see  that  these 
orders  are  carried  through  without  a  moment's  delay. 
Give  out  that  the  Emperor  has  returned  triumphant 
from  the  Holy  Land  ;  this  news,  once  set  on  its  way, 
will  soon  spread  faster  than  we  can  travel.  I  will  now 
to  bed,  for  I  wish  to  be  early  on  the  road  to-morrow." 

Baron  von  Brunfels  led  the  Emperor  to  a  room  not 
far  from  his  own,  in  which  stood  a  luxuriantly  ap- 
pointed couch,  and  Rodolph  waited  no  formality,  but 
threw  himself  on  the  rich  coverlet,  booted  and  spurred 
as  he  was.  Before  his  friend  could  turn  away  to  give 
effect  to  the  commands  bestowed  upon  him,  the  Em- 
peror was  sound  asleep. 


'I  I 


I'll 


\     ,' 


|i!:J 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 


THE  EMPEROR  AT   THE  HEAD  OF  HIS  ARMY. 


Tired  as  John  Surrey  was  when  Rodolph  left  him 
with  Conrad,  the  archer  ordered  a  meal  to  be  served 
to  them,  for  he  was  ever  ready  to  eat  heartily.  From 
the  table  the  two  travellers  went  to  their  well-earned 
rest,  and  slumber  came  to  them  speedily. 

When  they  awoke  in  the  morning  they  found  the 
inn  in  a  commotion,  and  at  breakfast  the  ever-curious 
archer  inquired  the  cause.  The  innkeeper  himself 
waited  upon  them,  imagining  their  quality  to  be  of  no 
common  order,  in  spite  of  their  tattered  apparel,  for 
his  commands  regarding  the  care  he  was  to  take  of 
whomsoever  the  soldier  brought  to  him  in  the  night  or 
in  the  day  had  come  from  the  Palace  itself. 

"  Oh,  there  is  brave  news,"  cried  the  elated  host. 
"  The  Emperor  is  returned  from  the  East,  and  the 
town  has  put  on  all  its  finery  to  welcome  him.  Flags 
are  flying  everywhere,  and  the  whole  population  is 
afoot.  A  great  body  of  horsemen,  such  as  we  have 
never  seen  in  Frankfort  before,  is  drawn  up  in  the 
Palace  Square,  and  even  they  are  not  sufficient  to 
keep  the  people  back.  One  of  my  men,  who  went 
mad,  like  all  the  rest  of  the  town,  has  just  come  back 
from  the  square  and  he  saw  the  Emperor  himself,  and 
so  could  not  wait,  but  hurried  here  to  tell  us  about  it. 
The  people  made  such  acclamation  that  the  Emperor 
came  out  on  the  platform  which  runs  along  the  facade 
of  the  Palace,  and  stood  before  them.  Gottlieb  says 
his  Majesty,  Heaven  shower  its  blessings  upon  him, 
was  clad  from  head  to  foot  in  silver  armour,  and 
looked  like  a  statue  of  a  stalwart  war  god.  There  is  a 
scarlet  cross  on  his  breast,  which,  I  doubt  not,  has 


(,1 
.     AT  THE  HEAD  OF  HIS  ARMY.        397 

wrought  terror  in  the  heart  of  many  a  heathen,  and 
there  is  a  purple  cloak  hanging  from  his  shoulders. 
Gottlieb  says  that  no  man  in  all  Germany  may  be  com- 
pared with  him,  so  grand  and  kinglike  he  looks.  The 
horsemen,  in  spite  of  all  discipline,  waved  their  swords 
in  the  air,  and  roared  at  the  top  of  their  voices,  while 
the  people  raised  one  continuous  shout  that  we  heard 
plainly  where  I  stand.  I  hope  he  has  given  the  Sara- 
cen such  a  thrashing  he  will  hot  have  to  turn  eastward 
again  in  years  to  come,  as  trade  is  ever  dull  when  the 
Emperor  is  away.  For  two  years  there  has  been  little 
coming  and  going,  and  the  Court  at  Frankfort  has 
been  as  quiet  as  if  the  monarch  were  dead  and  they 
had  not  elected  his  successor." 

"  It  must  be  a  gallant  show,"  said  the  archer,  "  and 
if  I  were  not  commanded  to  wait  here  till  my  orders 
come,  I  would  go  and  see  it.  Dare  we  risk  it,  think 
you,  Conrad  ?  " 

"  I  was  told  to  stay  here,  and  here  I  stay,"  an- 
swered Conrad,  stoutly. 

"  Tis  a  good  military  resolve,  and  would  be  com- 
mended by  all  the  authorities,  but  nevertheless  I 
should  dearly  like  to  see  the  Emper  r." 

"  So  should  I ;  but  unless  his  Majesty  comes  to  us 
I  see  not  how  we  are  to  go  to  him." 

"  There  is  nothing  easier,"  said  their  host.  "  It  is 
said  that  his  Majesty  marches  shortly  through  the 
western  gate  to  review  his  troops  now  on  the  Rhine, 
for  there  has  lately  been  a  great  gathering  of  them  by 
the  river,  and  his  way  thither  is  through  this  square 
and  past  this  door.  They  are  even  now  clearing  the 
road  and  lining  it  with  ^rmed  men.  The  officer  in 
front  has  jur,t  said  that  my  guests  are  to  be  specially 
favoured,  aid  chat  a  space  will  be  open  at  my  door 
where  you  may  stand,  with  none  to  obstruct  your 
view.  I  am  myself  thought  much  of  at  Court, 
although  it  may  sound  like  boasting  to  proclaim  the 
fact ;  nevertheless,  when  distinguished  strangers  like 
yourselves  arrive,  I  have  before  now  received  orders  to 
attend    to   their  wants   when   it   is   not   convenient, 


tin 


i  iir 


398 


TEKLA. 


through  reasons  of  state,  into  which  I  have  no  right  to 
inquire,  to  lodge  them  at  the  Palrce.  And  thus  I 
wait  upon  you  myself,  which  is  lar  from  being  my 
custom,  though  you  might  think  otherwise  did  I  not 
make  the  reason  plain.  I  have  asked  no  question 
of  you  further  than  how  you  like  your  food  pre- 
pared and  served  ;  but  I  take  you  to  be  men  of  im- 
portance, and,  without  flattery,  I  may  say  of  myself 
that  I  know  a  man  of  quality  when  I  see  him,  even 
though  his  clothes  be  somewhat  the  worse  for  wear." 

*'  In  this  instance,  good  host,  I  fear  your  shrewd- 
ness does  you  a  dis-service  if  you  take  us  to  be  aught 
but  what  we  are — plain,  common  folk,  having  no  con- 
nection either  with  King  or  with  Cour*-  " 

"  It  is,  of  course,  not  for  me  to  inquire  closely 
regarding  your  affairs  or  your  standing  in  the  emp'-*^ ; 
but  what  you  say  to  me  goes  no  further,  for  I  am  one 
who  meddleL  not  in  the  doings  of  others,  so  long  as 
bills  for  lodging  and  eating  are  duly  paid,  and,  in  addi- 
tion, I  am  no  gossiper,  being  indeed  a  man  of  few 
words." 

"  I  am  but  an  indifferent  talker  myself,"  admitted 
the  archer,  "  and  would  have  been  of  more  account  in 
the  world  had  I  a  better  conceit  of  my  own  merits  and 
possessed  the  words  with  which  to  convey  some  knowl- 
edge of  the  same  to  others.  But  if  a  belief  that  we 
are  more  worthy  of  consideration  lead  you  to  provide 
so  well  for  us,  as  far  as  meat  and  drink  are  con- 
cerned, this  wine  being  the  best  I  ever  set  lips  to,  in 
heaven's  name,  then,  persons  of  quality  we  are,  and 
so  shall  we  remain  while  guests  of  yours." 

The  landlord  chuckled  and  nodded  his  head  sagely. 

"  A  droop  of  the  eyelids  is  as  good  as  a  wag  of  the 
tongue  with  me,  and  I  fully  understand  you,  though 
it  please  you  to  speak  lightly  of  your  own  worth.  I 
had  no  doubt  of  it  from  the  first,  for  I  knew  that  com- 
mon folk  are  not  let  through  a  Frankfort  gate  at  mid- 
night, if  their  coming  is  unwelcome  to  the  Court." 

"  By  my  favourite  Saint,"  cried  the  archer,  as  if  an 
unaccustomed  idea  had  penetrated  his  not  too  alert 


»» 


AT  THE  HEAD  OF  HIS  ARMY.        399 

mind,  "  there  is  something  in  that,  Conrad,  though  it 
had  not  occurred  tome  before.  You  remember  how  I 
dreaded  the  closed  gate,  and  how  the  others  at  the 
foot  of  the  walls  said  they  could  not  get  through,  yet 
three  raps  from  my  Lord's  hilt  sent  bolts  flying  as  if 
he  held  a  wizard's  wand.  'Tis  most  like  my  Lord 
is  well  known  at  Court,  aye,  and  well  thought  of, 
too." 

"  That  is  no  news,"  replied  Conrad,  quietly.  "  You 
yourself  heard  him  tell  the  Black  Count  he  knew 
the  Emperor." 

"True.  So  I  did,  but  I  did  not  believe  it  until 
now." 

The  increasing  shouts  had  drawn  the  incurious  land- 
lord from  the  room,  and  he  now  returned  in  high 
excitement. 

"  The  Emperor  comes  at  the  head  of  his  horsemen. 
There  is  not  a  moment  to  lose,  and  you  will  have  as 
good  a  view  of  him  as  though  you  were  one  of  his 
followers ;  better,  indeed,  than  if  you  were  among  the 
troop  of  horse.     But  come  at  once." 

Conrad  immediately  sprang  to  his  feet,  but  the 
archer  hung  back  a  moment  to  take  another  huge 
mouthful  of  the  black  bread  and  to  drain  his  flagon  to 
the  dregs.  Then,  drawing  the  back  of  his  hand  across 
his  mouth,  he  followed  the  others,  hastily  gulping 
down  his  food  as  he  went. 

The  city  had  indeed  undergone  a  sudden  transfor- 
mation that  well  deserved  all  the  landlord's  eulogies. 

From  every  window  and  from  every  projection  of 
the  many-gabled  street  hung  rainbow-coloured  lengths 
of  silk  or  more  common  cloth.  Flags  flew  from  every 
staff,  and  cheering  men  clung  perilously  to  the  roofs 
and  eaves  of  the  buildings,  or  wherever  precarious 
foothold  could  be  found.  Opposite  the  Golden 
Flagon  a  dense  crowd  was  massed,  but  the  cleared 
way  led  directly  past  the  door  of  the  inn  and  gave 
colour  to  the  assertion  of  the  landlord  that  his 
hostelry  was  indeed  favoured  by  the  Court.  A  con- 
tinuous line  of  pikemen,  standing  shoulder  to  shoulder, 


400 


TEKLA. 


,1.1' 


kept  back  the  jubilant  throng,  whose  volleys  of  accla* 
mation  rang  upwards  and  joined  the  cheers  from  the 
house-tops. 

The  most  inspiriting  sight  was  the  advance  of  the 
cavalry,  a  superb  body  of  men  splendidly  mounted, 
who  came  two  and  two  because  of  the  narrowness  of 
some  of  the  streets,  but  who,  with  military  precision 
that  betokened  accurate  drilling,  deployed  on  enter- 
ing the  square,  until  they  marched  in  ranks  of  six,  the 
sun  glittering  on  their  polished  breast-plates,  and 
touching  with  fire  the  points  of  their  lances.  In 
front  of  them  came  the  Emperor  and  suite,  Baron  von 
Brunfels  riding  by  his  sovereign's  side.  The  Emperor 
was  mounted  on  a  snow-white  charger,  and  hiis  noble 
bearing  quite  justified  the  unbounded  enthusiasm  of 
the  people.  As  the  imposing  cavalcade  approached, 
the  archer  with  a  low  cry  of  amazement  clutched  the 
arm  of  his  comrade,  while  Conrad  stared  with  open 
mouth  at  the  resplendent  monarch. 

"  My  God  ! "  cried  John  Surrey.  "  It  is  Lord  Ro- 
dolph.  How  has  he  dared  to  impersonate  the  absent 
Emperor  and  befool  all  these  people  ?  " 

Conrad  was  so  filled  with  astonishment  at  the  re- 
markable spectacle  that  for  the  moment  he  was 
speechless. 

"  Can  it  be  he  ?  "  continued  the  more  voluble  archer, 
*'  or  has  that  good  wine  affected  our  sight,  as  it  some- 
times does.  He  casts  no  glance  towards  us,  and 
seems  more  stern  than  ever  I  saw  him,  except  when 
he  fought  the  Black  Count  ?  " 

"  Fought  the  Black  Count  ?  "  said  Conrad,  turning 
to  his  friend.     "  When  did  he  do  that  ?  " 

"  Oh,  I  have  gone  mad  and  am  talking  at  random. 
Can  my  Lord  Rodolph  have  been  really  the  Emperor, 
and  does  that  explain  the  quick  opening  of  the  gates 
and  'the  babble  of  the  landlord  ?  It  is  as  likely  as 
that  Lord  Rodolph  should  rashly  masquerade  as  the 
Emperor  in  a  town  where  the  Emperor  must  be  well 
known.  No.  We  are  dreaming,  Conrad,  or  more 
drunk  than  ever  before." 


II 


AT  THE  HEAD  OF  HIS  ARMY. 


401 


"  I  am  neither  drunk  nor  asleep.  Lord  Rodolph  is 
Indeed  the  Emperor.  There  beside  him  is  the  Baron 
von  Brunfels,  my  former  master  in  Treves,  who  asked 
you  to  send  an  arrow  through  me,  and  all  know  the 
Baron  is  the  Emperor's  closest  friend." 

"  I  did  not  recognise  him,  but  then  I  had  no  such 
cause  to  remember  as  you  had." 

An  officer  rode  up  to  the  two  and  cried  out : 

"  Who  are  you,  fellows,  to  stand  covered  when  your 
Emperor  passes  ?  " 

"  E'  God,  he  is  no  Emperor  of  mine.  I  am  an 
Englishman,"  said  the  archer,  defiantly  ;  but  he  never- 
theless  removed  his  steel  cap  and  stood  uncovered,  as 
did  Conrad.  v 

The  Emperor  paused  before  them,  and  the  pro- 
cession behind  him  came  to  an  instant  stand.  Ro- 
dolph with  difficulty  repressed  a  smile  as  he  looked 
down  upon  his  former  followers.  The  officer  was 
about  to  lay  hold  of  the  archer  for  his  truculent  reply 
and  his  disrespectful  behaviour,  but  Rodolph  held  up 
his  hand  and  the  other  fell  back. 

"  I  think,"  said  Rodolph,  doubtfully,  "  I  have  seen 
you  before." 

"  In  truth,  my  Lord — that  is,  your  Majesty,"  replied 
Surrey,  scratching  his  bare,  perplexed  head,  while  he 
held  his  steel  cap  upturned  under  his  other  arm,  "  I 
am  less  certain  that  I  ever  met  your  Lordship — again 
I  mean,  your  Majesty, — before." 

"  It  may  be  I  am  mistaken,  but  you  seem  to  me  a 
silent  man,  not  prone  to  talk,  especially  of  the  affairs 
of  others,  and  I  take  you  to  be  an  archer  from  the 
packet  of  arrows  on  your  back.  I  have  need  of  a  skil- 
ful, modest  man,  and  I  possess  a  regiment  of  archers 
awaiting  your  instruction.  Having  hoped  to  meet 
you  again  I  gave  certain  commands  concerning  you, 
one  of  which  is  that  my  treasurer  fill  with  gold  your 
head  piece,  which  you  hold  so  awkwardly  and  invit- 
ingly ;  so,  see  to  it  that  they  give  you  good  measure  ; 
if  they  do  not,  make  complaint  to  me  when  I  return. 
Still,  I  give  you  fair  choice,  and  should  you  prefer  to 


402 


TEKLA. 


ride  with  me  for  several  days  to  come,  you  shall  have 
your  wish,  if  you  but  give  it  utterance." 

A  rueful  grimace  came  over  the  archer's  face  at  the 
mention  of  horsemanship. 

"  I  am  well  content,  my  Majesty — I  mean  your 
Lord — I  will  give  the  regiment  the  instruction  they 
perhaps  need,  your  Majesty." 

"  This  is  the  skilful  fellow  I  told  you  of.  Take 
charge  of  him  and  see  that  he  has  no  cause  to  be  dis- 
satistied  with  his  change  of  position." 

To  Conrad,  Baron  von  Brunfels  spoke : 

"  There  is  a  led  horse  for  you  in  the  baggage  train. 
Mount  it  and  follow  us.  Come  to  my  tent  to-night 
when  we  encamp,  and  you  will  be  fitted  with  apparel 
more  suited  to  your  new  station.  I  hear  a  good 
account  of  you,  and  understand  it  is  his  Majesty's 
pleasure  that  you  are  to  meet  great  advancement." 

Conrad  bowed  low  without  reply,  and  took  his 
place  behind  the  troop,  which  now  without  further 
halt  marched  through  the  western  gate  and  thus 
rapidly  on  its  way,  overtaking  the  foot  soldiers  of  the 
army  before  nightfall. 


):i 


i: 


',,  t 


CHAPTER  XL. 


THE    ARCHBISHOPS    ENVIRONED    WITH    A    RING 

•     .       ^^  IRON.  '..,'.,  ;^ 


OF 


It  would  perhaps  be  wrong  to  censure  the  two  Arch- 
bishops for  military  neglect  in  failing  to  take  note  of 
anything  that  was  happening  except  in  the  very 
limited  space  which  was  encircled  by  their  combined 
forces.  The  siege  had  gone  on  for  so  long  that  it  had 
become  largely  a  matter  for  routine.  The  Emperor 
was  supposed  to  be  in  the  far  East,  and  their  Lord- 
ships had  been  kept  continually  informed  of  his 
valorous  doings  in  that  distant  region,  but  even  if  he 
had  been  in  his  capital  it  is  little  likely  that  the 
august  prelates  would  have  paid  much  heed  to  his 
vicinity,  for  it  had  been  a  long  time  since  the  power- 
ful princes  who  ruled  in  Treves  and  Cologne  had  taken 
account  of  the  commands,  much  less  the  desires,  of 
their  nominal  overlord  at  Frankfort.  It  may  seem 
strange  that  the  news  of  a  largely  increased  force  at 
the  capital  had  not  reached  them,  but  news  at  best 
travelled  slowly,  even  when  specially  sent,  and  in  this 
case  it  had  to  pass  through  the  territory  of  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Mayence,  and  he,  if  he  knew  what  was 
going  on  at  Frankfort,  would  not  have  felt  it  his  duty 
to  communicate  the  intelligence  to  one  who  had  been 
his  open  enemy,  or  to  the  other  who  had  deserted 
him. 

Thus,  then,  it  came  about  that  the  first  intimation 
the  Archbishops  had  of  impending  calamity  from  out- 
side was  the  appearance  of  the  soldiers  of  the  Emperor 
on  the  plain  at  the  edge  of  which  their  camp  was  set, 
while  other  troops  were  seen  marching  up-  the  valley 
of  the  Moselle.    The  progress  of  the  newcomers  was 


404 


TEKLA. 


so  rapid  that  simultaneous  tidings  of  their  approach 
came  from  several  quarters  at  once,  and  before  the 
fourth  messenger  had  told  his  tale,  a  final  one  came 
from  Aiken,  saying  a  company  had  gone  up  the  valley 
of  the  Thaurand,  and  had  cut  off  communication  be- 
tween the  camp  of  their  Lordships  and  the  force 
which  was  besieging  the  castle.  While  the  Archbishop 
of  Cologne  was  listening  in  wonder  to  this  account  of 
the  entirely  unexpected  advent  of  an  outside  army, 
his  more  astute  brother  of  Treves  at  once  saw  that  the 
camp  was  surrounded,  and  remembered  that,  although 
his  own  forces  around  Thuron  might  be  strong  enough 
to  repel  the  invaders,  yet  there  was  no  officer  among 
them  with  sufficient  authority  to  command  his  troops 
to  fight,  unless  he  had  orders  to  that  effect  from  the 
Archbishop  himself.  This  situation  lent  seriousness 
to  the  position  of  their  Lordships,  who  might  thus  be 
taken  prisoners  while  their  own  armies  lay  idle, 
almost  within  calling  distance. 

"  What  does  this  incursion  mean  ?  **  asked  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Cologne,  "and  what  is  to  be  done  in  the 
face  of  it  ?  " 

"Neither  of  these  que;;/"'^«  f^n  I  answer  at  this 
moment.  It  cannot  be  that  his  x^v^.  J:Hip  of  Mayence 
has  made  common  cause  with  Heinrich  of  Thuron, 
and  has  had  the  temerity  to  put  this  small  force 
against  ours,  yet  our  long  futile  lingering  here  may 
have  given  him  a  scant  respect  for  us,  which  is  not 
without  a  basis  of  reason." 

They  were  together  in  the  large  tent,  and  before 
Konrad  von  Hochstaden  could  reply,  word  was 
brought  that  Baron  von  Brunfels,  accompanied  by  a 
strong  escort,  had  ridden  into  camp  and  demanded 
audience. 

"Ay!  "  cried  the  Prince  of  Treves,  "it  is  Brunfels, 
then,  whom  we  have  to  thank  for  this  surprise.  The 
Emperor's  long  absence  has  encouraged  him  to  strike 
a  blow  on  his  own  account.  He  will  not  be  difficult 
to  deal  with,  for  he  has  no  show  of  right  in  attacking 
nobles  of  higher  station  than  his  own,  unless  by  the 


I  \ 


ENVIRONED  WITH  A  RING  OF  IRON.    405 

Emperor's  direct  command,  and  he  himself  would  be 
the  first  to  counsel  his  Majesty  against  so  grave  a 
blunder." 

"  Perhaps  the  Emperor  has  sent  him  such  permis- 
sion." 

"  It  may  be,  but  I  doubt  it.  I  remember  now  that 
when  Brunfels  was  last  in  Treves  I  refused  to  see 
him,  yet,  if  he  resented  that  as  a  rebuff,  he  has  taken 
long  to  bring  his  anger  to  a  heat.  He  is  a  cautious 
man,  and  a  dangerous  one.  I  would  much  rather 
meet  your  friend  of  Mayence.  We  will  admit  him 
and  set  conjecture  at  rest." 

When  Baron  von  Brunfels  entered,  he  bowed  low 
to  each  of  the  prelates,  who  returned  his  salutation 
with  dignified  courfesy. 

"  Your  Lordships  will  pardon  me  if  I  plunge  at  once 
into  my  mission  without  introduction,  as  the  matter 
with  which  I  am  charged  is  urgent.  I  am  commanded 
by  his  Majesty,  Rodolph  of  Hapsburg,  Emperor  of 
Germany,  to  see  that  an  immediate  injunction  is 
placed  upon  the  commander  of  the  besieging  forces 
around  Thuron,  ordering  him  to  permit  the  passing 
of  food  and  wine  through  the  lines  for  the  consump- 
tion of  those  i  the  beleaguered  stronghold.  The 
laden  horses  will  presently  reach  Aiken,  and  it  is  his 
Majesty's  wish  that  they  proceed  to  the  castle  without 
interruption." 

"  It  is  most  remarkable  that  the  Emperor  should 
have  found  occasion  to  send  from  the  Holy  Land  in- 
structions so  minute  regarding  the  re-victualling  of  a 
castle  on  the  Moselle,"  said  the  Archbishop  of  Treves, 
in  his  most  icy  tone.  "  Am  I  at  fault  if  I  infer  that 
the  imperial  message  has  been  coloured  somewhat 
during  transmission  ?" 

"  My  Lord,  you  are  evidently  not  aware  that  his 
Majesty  is  now  encamped  within  less  than  half  a 
league  of  this  spot.  May  I  urge  upon  your  considera- 
tion that  there  is  danger  in  delay." 

"Danger?    To  whom?" 

"  I  am  a  plain  spoken  man,  my  Lord,  and  I  find 


» < 


4o6 


TEKLA. 


\l 


a  difficulty  in  impressing  upon  you  the  seriousness  of, 
the  situation,  in  terms  suitable  for  me  to  use  in  ad- 
dre«sing  you.  His  Majesty  is  at  the  head  of  a  force 
which,  compared  with  that  under  your  joint  command, 
is  overwhelming.  Your  camp  is  at  this  moment  sur- 
rounded, and  the  messenger  you  send  will  be  com- 
pelled to  carry  a  passport  from  his  Majesty  before  he 
gets  word  with  your  general.  I  therefore  counsel  you 
to  make  haste  in  forwarding  the  message,  for,  if  the 
convoy  reaches  your  lines  before  the  messenger,  it  will 
force  its  way  through  to  the  castle  gates,  and  thus  we 
may  have  unnecessary  bloodshed  to  deplore." 

"  Let  us  have  no  bloodshed,"  said  the  Archbishop  of 
Cologne,  speaking  for  the  first  time.  "  If  the  situation 
stands  as  Baron  von  Brunfels  describes  it,  resistance 
is  useless." 

"  I  assure  you  such  is  the  case,  my  Lord  of  Cologne, 
and  I  thank  you  for  your  suggestion.  I  again  im- 
plore you  to  give  the  order  I  ask  for.^' 

"  Softly,  softly,"  said  the  Archbishop  of  Treves,  in 
his  smoothest  manner.  "This  haste  appears  to  me 
more  suspicious  than  convincing.  I  must  ask  to  see 
the  Emperor  before  I  can  believe  so  readily  that  he 
has  returned  at  a  moment  so  critical." 

"  The  moment  is  so  critical,  my  Lord,  that  I  ignore 
your  reflection  on  my  truthfulness,  and,  as  regards  see- 
ing His  Majesty,  my  next  office  is  to  command  the 
immediate  attendance  of  both  your  Lordships  to 
make  explanation  satisfactory  to  him  regarding  this 
siege." 

"If  the  Emperor  desires  explanation  from  me  he 
may  come  to  my  city  of  Treves  and  ask  for  it." 

"  My  Lord,  I  deeply  regret  my  inability  to  convince 
you  of  the  peril  in  which  you  stand,  and  which  you 
insist,  to  my  sorrow,  upon  augmenting.  I  would  his 
Majesty  had  sent  one  more  skilful  in  the  use  of  words. 
It  is  no  part  of  my  duty  to  inform  you  that  Treves  is 
at  this  moment  in  the  possession  of  the  imperial 
troops,  as  also  is  the  city  of  Cologne.  It  seems  you 
cannot  understand  that,  for  the  first  time  since  Fred- 


;  he 


ENVIRONED  WITH  A  RING  OF  IRON.    407 

crick  Barbarossa,  Germany  has  an  emperor.  Your 
angry  sovereign  I  have  with  difficulty  constrained  to 
give  you  a  hearing,  and  now  my  mission  has  failed. 
Your  camp  is  surrounded,  your  troops  are  outnum- 
bered, your  cities  are  taken,  yet  you  stand  here  wasting 
the  few  moments  allowed  you  to  show  some  inclina- 
tion of  obedience,  and  thus  give  your  friends  an  op- 
portunity of  interceding  on  your  behalf  with  his  Ma- 
jesty." 

"  Treves  taken  ? "  murmured  von  Isenberg,  like  a 
man  speaking  in  a  dream. 

"  I  bid  you  farewell,"  continued  the  emissary  of  the 
Emperor,  "and  return  to  his  Majesty  to  report  the 
lack  of  success  which  has  attended  my  mission." 

"  Stop  !  Stop  !  "  cried  von  Hochstaden.  "  I  will  ac- 
company you  to  the  Emperor's  headquarters.  The 
siege  has  been  carried  on  against  my  will ;  indeed  I 
should  never  have  engaged  in  it  were  it  not  that  I  was 
assured  the  castle  would  be  delivered  to  us  when  we 
sat  down  in  force  before  it,  md  even  then  I  assisted 
merely  to  uphold  the  feudal  law  which  had  been  vio- 
lated by  Black  Heinrich.  His  Majesty  was  absent, 
and  I  held  it  but  the  bare  duty  of  a  good  vassal  to 
make  a  stand  for  rightful  authority,  when  the  Emperor 
was  not  here  to  assert  his  privileges." 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  cast  one  malignant  glance 
of  intense  hatred  at  his  timorous  ally,  who  was  so  pal- 
pably eager  to  save  himself  at  the  expense  of  his 
partner.  He  scorned,  however,  to  make  reply,  and 
remained  silent  while  von  Brunfels  spoke. 

"  Such  is  not  the  understanding  his  Majesty  has 
of  the  beginning  of  the  contest.  He  is  informed  that 
Count  Heinrich  appealed  to  his  Emperor  and  yours, 
yet  you  immediately  attacked  the  Count,  and  I,  act- 
ing for  the  Emperor  in  his  absence,  have  received  no 
notic '"  '  f  the  appeal,  nor  have  I  had  any  communica- 
tion with  either  of  you  regarding  this  siege  during  the 
two  years  it  has  been  in  progress.  I  trust  you  will  be 
able  to  convince  his  Majesty  that  his  present  view  of 
the  case  is  based  on  inaccurate  information." 


IKI 


4o8 


TEKLA. 


ri 


\/ 


I: 


ill 


M 


! 


"  I  admit "  began  the  trembling  Archbishop  of 

Cologne,  but  his  colleague  interrupted  him. 

"  We  admit  nothing.  We  shall  wait  upon  the  Em- 
peror together,  for  in  this  matter  my  doughty  auxil- 
iary and  I  stand  or  fall  in  company.  What  has  been 
done  has  been  done  after  mutual  consultations,  and 
with  the  consent  of  both.  If  then  we  are  to  be  threat- 
ened, I  ask  you  to  inform  his  Majesty  that  we  shall 
appeal  direct  to  the  Pope,  and  I  think  the  young  Em- 
peror will  be  ill-advised  to  bring  on  a  contest  between 
himself  and  the  Holy  Church,  for  such  conflicts  have 
resulted  disastrously  for  monarchs  before  now,  even 
when  they  were  more  firmly  seated  on  their  thrones 
than  Rodolph  of  Hapsburg  is  on  his." 

"  My  Lord,  I  am  dismayed  to  find  that  what  I  have 
said  has  been  construed  into  a  threat.  Such  was  not 
my  intention,  and  I  beg  you  to  believe  that  anything 
approabhing  a  menace  would  bring  censure  on  me 
from  his  Majesty,  and  in  the  launching  of  it  I  should 
be  gravely  exceeding  my  commission.  Nevertheless, 
I  cannot  be  blind  to  the  fact  that  your  words  bear  dis- 
tinct defiance  against  his  Majesty  the  Emperor,  but  as 
I  have  myself  so  far  fallen  short  of  my  purpose,  which 
was  not  to  intimidate,  but  to  impress  upon  you  the 
plight  in  which  you  stand,  I  shall  forget  your  words 
and  consider  them  unsaid,  extending  to  you  that  mer- 
ciful construction  of  your  language  which  I  hope  you, 
in  turn,  will  kindly  bestow  upon  me." 

"  I  ask  no  consideration  from  you,  my  Lord  of  Brun- 
fels.  What  I  have  said,  I  have  said.  I  shall  appeal 
to  the  Pope  and  place  myself  under  his  august  protec- 
tion. Any  action  taken  against  me  is  an  action  against 
the  Holy  Church,  and  the  consequences  must  fall  on 
whose  head  they  may,  be  it  that  of  Baron  or  that  of 
Emperor." 

"  I  the  more  deeply  regret  this  decision  that  I  have 
already  had  communication  with  his  Holiness  the  Pope 
upon  the  matter  in  question." 

"  Ha  !     With  what  result  ?  " 

"  When   the  siege  was  begun,  I  considered  it  my 


ENVIRONED  WITH  A  RING  OF  IRON.    409 


duty,  in  the  interest  of  the  absent  Emperor,  to  obtain 
some  decision  from  the  Pope  that  might  be  an  aid  to 
his  Majesty  on  his  return.  I  sent  an  envoy  to  Rome 
and  acquainted  his  Holiness  with  the  cause  of  the 
quarrel,  in  so  far  as  it  was  understood  by  me,  inform- 
ing him  that  the  siege  had  been  entered  upon,  asking 
him  whether  or  not  the  Emperor  was  to  believe  that 
the  conduct  of  your  Lordships  had  the  sanction  and 
support  of  his  Holiness.  The  reply  to  my  message 
stated  that  it  was  impossible  for  his  Holiness  to  judge 
who  was  in  the  right  or  who  was  in  the  wrong,  as  he 
had  heard  nothing  of  your  Lordships*  side  of  the 
matter." 

'*  A  most  just  and  admirable  decision." 

"  Commendable  and  cautious,  as  I  thought  at  the 
vime,  but  still  erring,  if  anything,  on  the  side  of  vague- 
ness." 

"  I  cannot  permit  you  to  criticise  the  message  of  his 
Holiness  in  my  presence.  Baron  von  Brunfels.  The 
answer  was  clarity  itself." 

"The  second  message  undoubtedly  was,  and  per- 
haps its  receipt  made  me  place  less  than  true  value  on 
the  first.  When  the  siege  had  continued  a  year  and  a 
half  without  visible  result,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  send 
another  message  to  the  Pope  giving  him  a  brief  out- 
line cf  the  situation.  I  said  that  Count  Heinrich  ap- 
paren'iy  held  you  both  powerless.  I  feared  that  if 
yoi:  n  '  :  do  nothing  against  one  of  the  humblest  of 
yo.  r  va:'ia]s,  there  was  little  to  he  expected  were  you 
suddeu  V  confronted  with  the  power  of  the  empire. 
I  inform- -u  his  Holiness  that  there  was  now  collected 
in  and  n^ar  the  capital  a  well-drilled  force  of  nearly  a 
hundre'i  thousand  men,  all  animated  by  the  wildest 
enthu':iasm  for  their  Emperor,  to  whose  return  they 
were  most  impatiently  looking  forward.  I  implored 
hi.s  Holiness  to  give  me  his  view  of  the  case,  so 
thbl  I  might  be  properly  equipped  for  advising  his 
M.i*  sly  upon  his  arrival,  saying  that  I  feared  the 
grav  jst  complications,  because  war  had  been  waged  in 
his  Majesty's  dominions  without  his  consent,  adding 


tm 


4IO 


TEKLA. 


/M 


I 


that  his  Majesty  might  decide  you  were  rebels  caught 
red-handed,  and  might,  alas,  treat  you  as  such." 

"  Your  account  did  not  lack  a  spice  of  partizanship 
and'  exaggeration." 

"  I  endeavoured  to  adhere  strictly  to  the  truth. 
The  army  at  Frankfort  was  larger  than  I  stated,  and 
its  numbers  were  being  continually  increased.  My 
prediction  regarding  his  Majesty's  opinion  of  the  siege 
has  been  more  than  fulfilled." 

"  No  matter.     What  said  his  Holiness  the  Pope?" 

"  His  answer  was  a  marvel  of  close  and  accurate 
reasoning.  He  said  he  divided  your  authority  under 
two  heads,  namely,  1"  spiritual  and  the  temporal. 
In  one  section  he  assu.  responsibility;  in  the  other 
he  disclaimed  it.  What  >  ou  did  as  Archbishop  of  the 
Church  was  his  concern ;  your  acts  as  an  elector  of 
the  Empire  you  must  answer  for  to  his  Majesty,  to 
whom  he  sent  his  blessing.  He  had  made  inquiry 
regarding  your  quarrel  with  Count  Heinrich,  and  so 
far  as  he  understood  it,  no  question  affecting  the 
Church  had  arisen.  Count  Heinrich  had  been  charged 
with  a  violation  of  the  Feudal  Law,  and  had  therefore 
appealed  to  the  Emperor,  and  not  to  the  Pope,  as 
would  have  been  the  case  had  the  dispute  been  eccle- 
siastical. His  Holiness  regarded  your  alliance  as  a 
military  union  between  the  electors  of  Treves  and 
Cologne,  and  not  as  a  spiritual  conjunction  of  the  Arch- 
bishops of  those  two  cities.  The  duty  then  devolved 
upon  the  Emperor  to  deal  with  the  two  electors,  and 
if  the  result  unfortunately  caused  a  vacancy  in  the 
Archbishoprics  of  Treves  and  Cologne,  his  Holiness 
would  be  pleased  to  appoint  to  those  august  offices  two 
prelates  who  would  he  personce gratce  io  his  Majesty." 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  remained  silent,  a  deep 
frown  on  his  brow,  his  thin  lips  tightly  compressed. 
During  the  interesting  recital,  he  glanced  darkly  and 
suspiciously  at  the  narrator  several  times,  but  he  evi- 
dently saw  no  reason  to  doubt  the  accuracy  of  the  re- 
port, in  fact  the  account  bore  internal  evidence  of  its 
correctness,  for  he  knew  the  cautious  nature  of  the 


ENVIRONED  WITH  A  RING  OF  IRON.    411 


Pontiff,  and  was  well  aware  that  His  Holiness  desired 
to  have  on  the  side  of  the  Church  the  strong  and  win- 
ning hand. 

The  Archbishop  of  Cologne,  however,  was  voluble  in 
his  praise  of  the  pontifical  decision. 

*'  A  most  able  exposition,"  he  cried.  "  Would  that 
I  had  heard  it  when  it  was  delivered.  I  have  been 
misled  and  deceived  from  the  first.  It  was  not  my 
wish  to  continue  the  siege,  and  I  am  here  now  under 
coercion.  That  I  can  prove  to  his  Majesty,  and  I 
beg  your  intercession,  Baron  von  Brunfels,  explaining 
to  his  Majesty  that  I  am  here,  and  have  been  here, 
against  my  will.  If  I  had  known  that  his  Holiness, 
the  Pope,  had  given  such  a  decision — an  admirable 
and  most  excellent  laying  down  of  the  law — I  would 
at  once  have  withdrawn  my  men,  even  if  we  had  to 
cut  our  way  through  all  opposition.  Pray  so  inform 
his  Majesty.  Why  did  you  not  place  before  us  the 
expression  from  his  Holiness,  Baron ;  then  all  this 
difficulty  might  have  been  avoided  ?  " 

"  I  had  not  the  honour  to  serve  your  Lordships.  I 
acted  throughout  in  the  interests  of  his  Majesty,  the 
Emperor,  whose  vassal  I  am.  May  I  now  for  the 
last  time  ask  you  to  give  me  the  order  I  previously  re- 
quested from  you  ?  " 

"  Surely,  surely,"  cried  von  Hochstaden,  "  and  that 
at  once.  My  Lord  of  Treves,  it  is  your  men  who  com- 
pose the  line  near  the  village,  therefore  I  beseech  you 
to  give  the  order.  I  would  immediately  give  it  my- 
self," he  added,  turning  to  von  Brunfels,  "  but  I  have 
little  authority  in  the  camp,  and  I  might  not  be 
obeyed.  If  your  laden  horses  will  approach  the  castle 
from  the  other  side,  I  will  bestow  instruction  upon  my 
Captain  there  to  permit  them  to  pass." 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  looked  on  in  sullen  si- 
lence and  made  no  observation,  but  neither  did  he 
take  the  action  required  of  him.  A  messenger  en- 
tered breathless  with  the  news  that  a  force  flying  the 
imperial  flag  had  broken  the  line  near  the  village,  and 
that  a  convoy  of  burdened  animals  was  now  mount- 


412 


TEKLA. 


.^ 


ing  the  slope  towards  the  gates  of  the  castle.  The 
Archbishop  of  Cologne  wrung  his  hands,  and,  almost 
on  the  verge  of  tears,  bemoaned  the  unfortunate  oc- 
currence, calling  on  Heaven  and  all  present  to  witness 
that  he  was  not  the  cause  of  it.  The  impassive  mask 
of  the  Archbishop  of  Treves  gave  no  indication  re- 
garding the  nature  of  the  thoughts  that  were  passing 
through  his  mind. 

"  My  Lords,"  said  von  Brunfels  impressively,  "  who- 
ever is  to  blame,  the  action  I  feared  has  taken  place, 
while  we  were  wasting  precious  moments  in  useless 
talk.  The  second  part  of  my  mission  is  still  to  be 
accomplished,  and  I  wish  it  a  better  ending  than  that 
which  has  attended  the  first.  I  command  you,  in  the 
name  of  the  Emperor,  to  appear  together  before  him 
at  high  noon  in  the  royal  tent  now  erected  on  this 
plain.  You  will  come  prepared  to  answer  truthfully 
all  questions  put  to  you,  and  his  Majesty  will  listen 
patiently  to  whatever  explanation  you  are  pleased  to 
offer  for  your  grave  infraction  of  the  Feudal  Law.  I 
entreat  you  to  believe  that  nothing  but  instant  and 
abject  submission  will  be  of  avail." 

"  His  Majesty  shall  have  it  from  me,"  earnestly 
alleged  the  Archbishop  of  Cologne. 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  made  no  comment,  but 
gravely  inclined  his  head,  as  the  envoy  of  the  Emperor 
took  his  departure. 


):! 


.-.)".i-:' 


l-i 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

"WHY  HAVE  YOU  DARED  TO  LEVY  WAR?  " 


Large  as  was  the  tent  of  the  Archbishops,  it  could 
not  compare  in  size  or  splendour  with  the  imperial 
pavi-ion.  This  canopy  was  not  square  like  the  shelter  of 
their  august  Lordships,  but  oval  in  shape,  and  over  its 
peaked  roof  flew  the  great  standard  which  signified 
not  only  that  the  erection  stood  on  imperial  soil,  but 
also  indicated  the  personal  presence  of  the  Emperor 
under  its  folds.  For  the  time  being,  that  pavilion  was 
the  capital  of  the  land.  In  it  were  collected  the  head 
of  the  State  and  his  favoured  councillors. 

At  each  of  the  numerous  stakes  which  held  in  place 
the  many  ropes  supporting  the  roof,  stood  a  soldier, 
his  tall  weapon  perpendicular  beside  him,  and  these 
lances,  on  whose  glittering  points  the  high  sun  spar- 
kled, formed  a  palisade  around  the  tent.  Approach 
to  the  royal  pavilion  was  only  possible  down  a  long 
avenue  composed  of  mounted  men,  who  sat  impassive 
in  two  extended  lines  under  the  hot  sun. 

The  interior  of  the  great  tent  was  hung  with  price- 
less tapestries  and  rich  stuffs  from  the  East,  which 
softened  the  light  that  came  from  the  sides  and  roof. 
At  the  further  end  from  the  entrance  was  a  semi-cir- 
cular dais,  rendered  accessible  by  three  steps,  and  on 
this  platform  had  been  placed,  under  an  awning  of  pur- 
ple, a  throne,  on  the  apex  of  the  high  carved  back  of 
which  rested  a  golden  crown,  a  beautiful  specimen  of 
the  skilled  craftsmanship  of  Nuremburg,  where  it  had 
been  made  for  the  Emperor  Henry  IV.  during  his 
residence  in  that  famous  city  of  the  empire.  The 
hard  ground  which  formed  the  floor  of  the  tent  was 
covered  by  soft  rugs,  making  noiseless  the  footfalls  of 


m 


4H 


TEKLA. 


those  within.  The  Emperor,  seated  on  his  throne, 
had  on  either  hand  those  high  nobles  of  the  realm  who 
had, flocked  to  his  standard  when  the  news  of  his 
return  had  spread  like  wildfire,  and  who,  perhaps 
because  he  did  not  need  their  help,  had  made  lavish 
proffers  to  him  of  all  the  forces  at  their  command. 
These  offers  he  had  received  with  a  graciousness  that 
charmed  all  the  would-be  givers,  and  although  he 
declined  assistance,  he  somehow  managed  to  make  it 
felt  that  this  prompt  support  was  most  gratifying  to 
him.  The  nobles  were  delighted  with  the  reception 
accorded  them,  and  saw  that  they  had  in  the  Emperor 
a  liege  who  appreciated  their  worth ;  so  held  themselves 
proudly,  as  was  their  right,  for  most  of  them  at  one 
time  or  another  had  been  treated  with  haughty  scorn 
by  those  proud  and  powerful  Prelates  who  for  gen- 
erations  had  been  the  real  rulers  of  the  country.  At 
the  immediate  right  of  the  Empoior  stood  Baron  von 
Brunfels,  a  man  universally  esteemed  by  all  who  knew 
him,  a  stickler  for  the  privileges  of  his  order,  and  yet 
the  last  in  the  empire  who  would  infringe  on  the 
rights  of  others.  During  the  march  down  the  Rhine, 
nobles  had  joined  the  imperial  forces  at  various  points, 
coming  from  all  quarters,  for  what  purpose  they  them- 
selves only  knew,  but  apparently  with  the  sole  inten- 
tion of  being  of  service  to  his  Majesty  in  whatever 
expedition  he  was  undertaking,  the  cause  of  which 
they  could  but  guess.  So  much  at  least  was  to  be 
gathered  from  their  warm  expressions  of  loyalty, 
which  did  not  diminish  on  their  viewing  the  formid- 
able force  which  his  Majesty  commanded. 

At  the  Emperor's  left  hand  stood  the  Archbishop 
of  Mayence,  who,  on  hearing  that  his  Majesty  was  to 
pass  down  the  Rhine,  had  hastily  collected  his  army, 
and  as  hastily  disbanded  it  when  there  marched 
through  his  town  thirty  thousand  men,  to  be  followed 
shortly  by  the  Emperor  himself,  accompanied  by  a 
regiment  of  horse  that  alone  outnumbered  the  little 
company  which  the  Archbishop  was  able  to  assemble  at 
the  moment. 


"WHY  HAVE  YOU  LEVIED  WAR."      415 

Thus  it  was  that  the  Archbishop  contented  himself 
by  greeting  his  Sovereign  with  merely  a  group  of  his 
clergy  behind  him,  humbly  placing  the  good  city  of 
Mayence  unreservedly  at  the  disposal  of  the  Emperor, 
and  begging  permission  to  extend  his  benediction  upon 
the  expedition  that  had  swung  so  jauntily  along  the 
stoned-paved  river-front  of  the  town,  asking  no  one's 
leave,  and  makii:g  the  air  ring  with  patriotic  songs. 
The  Emperor  had  dismounted,  standing  with  bowed 
head  to  receive  the  Prelate's  blessing,  and  afterwards 
extended  a  cordial  invitation  to  his  Lordship  to  accom- 
pany him,  which  overture  was  gratefully  accepted. 
Thus  the  Prelate  stood  on  the  Emperor's  left,  and  the 
nobles  were  pleased  to  note  that  this  position  seemed 
to  indicate  that,  while  his  Majesty  welcomed  the  co- 
operation of  the  Church,  still  it  would  not  be  para- 
mount in  his  counsels,  as  one  of  their  own  order  occu- 
pied the  first  place. 

Some  rumour  of  what  was  about  to  occur  had  gone 
forth,  and  as  the  moment  approached  at  which  the 
Archbishops  were  to  appear  before  the  throne,  to 
plead  perhaps  for  their  lives,  the  face  of  his  Lordship 
of  Mayence  was  a  study  that  might  have  afforded  satis- 
faction to  a  physiognomist.  He  endeavoured  to 
assume  that  air  of  superior  righteousness  which  so 
well  becomes  a  somewhat  expansive  and  benign  coun- 
tenance. Occasionally  a  smirk  of  satisfaction  appeared, 
only  to  be  smoothed  instantly  away,  giving  place  to  an 
expression  of  that  deep  resignation  which  is  frequently 
bestowed,  like  a  benediction,  on  a  good  man  called 
upon  to  endure  a  sight  of  the  humiliation  of  his 
enemies.  He  clasped  his  fat  fingers  before  him — he 
was  rather  corpulent,  and  his  hands  had  thus  a  resting 
place — essaying  to  compose  his  placid  features  into 
an  unctuous  semblance  that  betokened  dim  knowledge 
of  the  wickedness  which  is  rampant  in  this  world,  and 
a  solemn  grief  for  the  same,  mitigated  by  a  subdued 
confidence  that  virtue  has  other  rewards  than  the  mere 
satisfaction  of  possession. 

On  the  dais  and  on  its  steps,  anJ  along  each  wall, 


4i6 


TEKLA. 


VI 


.  i 


nobles  were  grouped  according  to  their  degree,  while 
in  the  centre,  between  the  dais  and  the  entrance  to 
the  tent,  a  wide  space  was  left  vacant  until  their  Lord- 
ships of  Treves  and  Cologne  should  arrive,  which  they 
did  promptly  at  the  hour  named.  They  came  in  unat- 
tended, save  by  their  two  secretaries,  the  large  escort 
which  accompanied  them  from  their  camp  being,  by 
order  of  von  Brunfels,  halted  outside  the  pavilion. 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves  turned  an  unflinching 
look  upon  his  sovereign,  whom  he  now  beheld  for  the 
first  tim.e,  but  the  Prelate  of  Cologne  took  time  by  the 
forelock,  and,  without  waiting  to  be  addressed,  flung 
himself  prostrate  on  the  lower  steps  of  the  dais,  cry- 
ing: 

"Your  Gracious  Majesty,  I  implore  your  pardon.  I 
have  been  deeply  to  blame,  and  bitterly  do  I  regret 
my  fault.  Had  I  known  that  my  action  was  contrary 
to  your  Majesty's  will,  I  would  have  abandoned  all  my 
offices  and  honours,  retiring  humbly  to  the  poorest 
monastery  in  my  Archbishopric  rather  than  have 
offended  your  Majesty." 

Rodolph  seemed  taken  aback  by  the  unexpected 
and  abject  impetuosity  of  his  Lordship  of  Cologne, 
and  for  a  moment  he  sat  silent,  gazing  with  compassion 
in  his  glance  upon  the  grovelling  figure  of  the  man 
at  his  feet.  When  at  last  he  spoke,  his  accent  was 
kindly. 

"  My  Lord,  I  ask  you  to  arise.  We  are  all  prone  to 
error,  and  a  man  can  but  say,  '  I  am  culpable,  and  I 
regret  it.'  If  he  make  amends  in  after  conduct  there 
is  little  to  be  said  against  him,  and  I  have  small  in- 
clination to  enact  the  implacable  judge,  hoping  myself 
for  mercy  rather  than  for  justice,  as  our  Holy  Church 
gives  us  assurance  to  expect.  Rise,  therefore,  my 
Lord,  and  make  answer  to  some  questions  I  wish  now 
to  propound  to  you.  Are  you  content  to  return  to 
your  fair  city  of  Cologne  and  there  busy  yourself  with 
what  pertains  to  your  office  of  Archbishop,  leaving 
me  to  deal  with  such  nobles  as  Count  Heinrich,  should 
their  punishment  become  necessary  ?  " 


"  WHY  HAVE  YOU  LEVIED  WAR."      417 


"  I  am  more  than  content,  your  Majesty,"  replied 
the  Archbishop  fervently,  once  again  upon  his  feet, 
although,  with  bowed  head,  he  held  himself  most 
contritely. 

"  Are  you  content  to  permit  the  men  in  your  com- 
mand, now  under  arms  around  Thuron,  to  join  my 
army  and  renounce  allegiance  to  you  ?  " 

"Yes,  your  Majesty,  and  also  those  in  Cologne, 
if  such  is  your  Majesty's  pleasure." 

"  I  have  sent  to  Cologne  ten  thousand  men,  who  are 
there  to  do  fitting  honour  to  your  high  office,  and  you 
will  thus  be  saved  the  trouble  of  supporting  a  larger 
force  than  is  necessary  for  your  personal  requirements. 
You  have  no  objection  to  this  arrangement,  I  trust  ?  " 

"  None  in  the  least,  your  Majesty,  and  as  I  take  this 
to  mean  that  your  gracious  clemency  is  about  to  be 
extended  to  me,  I  most  loyally  and  gratefully  thank 
your  Majesty." 

"  Then  there  is  no  more  to  be  said,  my  Lord.  Will 
you  take  your  place  at  my  left,  in  company  with  your 
brother  of  Mayence,  who  is,  I  see,  eager  to  give  you 
a  cordial  welcome." 

The  Archbishop  von  Hochstaden  took  station  be- 
side the  Archbishop  of  Mayence,  but  such  admirable 
control  did  the  Prelate  of  the  Upper  Rhine  possess 
over  his  emotions,  that  no  one  would  have  suspected 
him  of  undue  delectation  in  receiving  a  penitent  sinner 
back  into  the  circle  of  the  righteous. 

"  My  Lord  of  Treves,"  said  the  Emperor,  "  you 
have  heard  the  terms  on  which  I  have  consented  to 
overlook  the  transgression  against  my  rightful  author, 
ity  committed  by  your  friend  and  ally.  This  k;-  >".- 
ledge  will,  I  hope,  make  our  conference  brief.  I 
therefore  grant  you  a  hearing." 

"  I  have  to  thank  your  Majesty  for  the  privilege, 
but  I  am  somewhat  at  a  loss  to  know  what  use  to  make 
of  it.  I  was  called  hither  for  the  purpose  of  answer- 
ing certain  questions  which  I  was  led  to  understand 
your  Majesty  would  ask,  and  the  unnecessary  caution 
was  given  me  that  I  should  make  truthful  rejoinder. 


i 


H 

ill 


ill 


i 


418 


TEKLA. 


/»• 


Vk 


If,  then,  your  Majesty  will  further  favour  me  with  the 
questions,  I  shall  reply  to  the  best  of  my  poor  ability." 

*'  Oh,  stands  the  case  so,  my  Lord  ?  You  shall  not  be 
kept  waiting.  Why  have  you  dared  to  levy  war  in 
my  dominion  with  my  permission  neither  asked  nor 
received  ?  " 

"  I  acted  strictly  Arithin  my  rights.  Heinrich  of 
Thuron  is  my  vassal.  He  connived  at  the  escape  or 
abduction  of  my  ward,  the  Co^intess  Tekla,  who,  fly- 
ing from  my  strictly  lawful  control,  sought  refuge  in 
Thuron.  My  demand  for  her  restoration  was  illegally 
refused,  therefore  I  besieged  the  castle,  and  it  would 
long  since  have  been  a  heap  of  ruins  had  I  not  been 
fool  enough  to  link  myself  with  the  craven  coward  to 
whom  you  have  just  given  place  by  your  imperial 
side." 

"  Was  demand  for  restoration  made  of  the  Count 
before  you  attacked  him  ?  " 

"  Yes,  your  Majesty ;  made  and  refused." 

**  Am  I  right  in  stating  that  when  such  demand  was 
made  and  refused,  the  Count  appealed  to  his  Sovereign 
and  yours?" 

"  I  heard  nothing  of  such  an  aippeal." 

*•  Who  was  your  envoy  ?  " 

"  Conn?:  Bertrich." 

"Where  is  Count  Bertrich  now?" 

"He  is  at  the  head  of  my  escort,  outside  this  tent, 
having  been  refused  admission." 

"  Let  him  be  called." 

An  intense  silence  had  reigned  during  this  colloquy 
between  the  Emperor  and  the  Archbishop.  All  eyes 
were  now  turned  toward  the  entrance,  and  presently 
Count  Bertrich,  accompanied  by  the  messenger  sent 
for  him,  came  in,  and  took  his  place  before  the  dais 
near  the  spot  where  his  master  stood.  The  Count 
blinked  for  a  few  moments,  coming  as  he  did  from  the 
brilliant  sunshine  outside  into  the  comparative  obscur- 
ity of  the  tent.  At  last  he  glanced  about  him,  seeing 
many  there  whom  he  knew,  all  standing  silent  as  if 
something  ominous  had  happened  or  was  expected  to 


I 


"WHY  HAVE  YOU  LEVIED  WAR."     419 


happen  ;  finally  his  eye  rested  on  the  Emperor,  and  a 
look  of  amazed  incredulity  came  into  his  face  on  be- 
holding before  him  the  young  man  whose  life  he  had 
aUempted.  Ruddy  as  he  was,  the  colour  partially  left 
his  cheeks,  and  he  stared,  open-eyed,  at  his  Sovereign, 
receiving,  however,  no  glance  of  recognition  in  return. 
The  Emperor  sat  imperturbable,  his  face  stern  and 
inscrutable,  giving  the  warrior  time  to  collect  himself, 
then  he  spoke  calmly. 

"  I  am  told  you  are  the  envoy  who  carried  the  ulti- 
matum of  his  Lordship  of  Treves  to  Heinrich,  Count 
of  Thuron." 

**  I  was  the  envoy,  your  Majesty." 

"  Is  it  a  fact  that  the  Count,  in  refusing  the  demand 
to  give  up  his  castle  to  his  Lordship,  appealed  to  the 
Emperor?" 

"Yes,  your  Majesty." 

*'  Is  it  true  that  you  claimed  for  your  master  special 
authority  from  the  Emperor,  and  that  Count  Heinrich 
said  he  would  deliver  up  his  stronghold  on  the  pro- 
duction of  that  authority  ?  " 

"  Yes,  your  Majesty." 

"  Of  course  you  acquainted  your  master  with  such 
important  incidents  ?  " 

"No,  your  Majesty.  I  immediately  attacked  the 
castle  in  defiance  of  the  wishes  of  my  Lord  of  Treves, 
and  entirely  without  his  sanction.  I  alone  am  to 
blame  for  the  beginning  of  hostilities,  from  which, 
once  begun,  my  Lord  could  not  withdraw  without  loss 
of  prestige." 

"  You  did  not  then  inform  him  of  Count  Heinrich's 
appeal  until  after  your  unsuccessful  assault  ?  " 

"  I  have  no  remembrance  of  ever  so  informing  him, 
your  Majesty.  Shortly  after  the  first  attack  I  was 
wounded  in  the  mouth  and  could  not  speak  for  many 
days." 

"  You  have  entirely  recovered,  I  am  pleased  to  see, 
and  no  doubt  your  present  speaking  is  much  to  the 
liking  of  the  Archbishop.  You  shamelessly  admit, 
then,  that  you  deceived  your  master,  and  at  the  same 


420 


TEKLA. 


» I 


A  x; 


^- 


^M'' 


time   gravely  wronged  Count  Heinrich  of  Thuron  by 
neglecting  to  report  his  appeal." 

"  I  fully  admit  it,  your  Majesty,  and  am  prepared 
to  suffer  for  my  crime." 

"  Arrest  this  man,  and  sec  to  it  that  he  has  no  com- 
munication with  any,  until  sentence  is  passed  upon 
him." 

The  Archbishop  of  Treves,  who  had  been  visibly 
uneasy  during  the  latter  part  of  this  cross-examination, 
now  intervened.  ^ 

"  Your  Majesty,  permit  me  to  mend  an  answer  I  gave 
to  you.  When  I  replied  that  I  knew  nothing  of  such 
an  appeal  as  Heinrich  of  Thuron  is  said  to  have 
made " 

**  Said  to  have  made,  my  Lord  ?  The  appeal  is 
proven  through  the  mouth  of  your  own  envoy.  It 
seems  that  the  caution  to  speak  the  truth,  of  which 
you  complained,  has  been  more  than  justified.  I  warn 
you,  my  Lord,  that  you  are  treading  on  drmgerous 
ground  in  thus  attempting  to  juggle  with  me." 

"  I  beg  to  say,  your  Majesty,  that  two  years  have 
passed  since  the  events  under  discussion  took  place, 
and  men's  memories  are  sometimes  at  fault  when  even 
shorter  periods  are  in  question.  For  instance,  my 
trusty  ally,  who  leaped  so  quickly  into  your  Majesty's 
favour,  doubtless  forgets  that  a  few  brief  days  since 
he  bound  himself  solemnly  to  stand  or  fall  with  me, 
whereas  he  has  fallen  alone — at  your  Majesty's  feet." 

'*  I  was  coerced,"  explained  Von  Hochstn.den. 

"  There  also  your  remembrance  fails  you,  my  valour- 
ous  Lord.  It  was  your  own  proposition.  But  all 
this  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  point  in  argument, 
and  it  may  be  that  Count  Bertrich's  loyalty  has 
clouded  his  memory,  while  it  is  possible  that  my  own 
recollection  has  not  been  of  the  best  in  dealing  with 
doings  long  past,  these  doings  having  connection  with 
so  unscrupulous  a  man  as  Heinrich  of  Thuron.  His 
appeal  I  did  not  consider  as  anything  but  a  ruse  to 
gain  time.  He  well  knew  that  your  Majesty  was 
thousands  of  leagues  away  and  that  it  would  be  long 


"WHY  HAVE  YOU  LEVIED  WAR."     421 


before  his  petition  could  be  heard  ;  in  truth,  for  two 
years,  as  has  been  shown  by  your  present  return. 
Therefore,  I  paid  no  heed  to  an  invocation  that  was 
on  the  face  of  it  dishonest.  When  Count  Bertrich 
says  he  acted  without  my  orders  he  speaks  the  techni- 
cal truth,  but  everything  he  did  had  nny  most  cordial 
approval,  then  and  now ;  and,  as  I  have  said  before,  if 
we  had  not  been  harnessed  with  a  poltroon,  we  should 
have  had  the  castle  within  five  days.  It  is  futile, 
then,  to  punish  this  underling,  and  let  the  chief  culprit 
go,  if  my  action  be  adjudged  censurable." 

"Your  action  is  adjudged  a  crime." 

"  Then  I  plead  that,  in  justice.  Count  Bertrich 
should  not  suffer,  being  under  my  command." 

"Your  Lordship  is  not  logical.  Count  Bertrich  has 
himself  confessed  that  he  acted  without  your  sanction. 
Your  crime  is  that  you  approved  of  an  illegal  action, 
not  that  you  gave  illegal  orders,  which,  it  seems,  you 
did  not." 

What  motion  the  proud  Prelate  might  have  made 
at  this  juncture  which  would  have  led  to  his  inevitable 
destruction,  can  only  be  surmised,  but,  happily  for 
him,  he  cast  a  glance  at  his  brethren  of  Cologne  and 
Mayence,  and  detected  on  their  faces  ill-concealed 
looks  of  triumph.  It  meant  much  to  them  that  the 
Lion  of  Treves  should  accomplish  his  own  ruin,  and 
the  stern  face  of  the  Emperor  indicated  that  unquali- 
fied submission  must  be  made  to  him,  if,  indeed,  such 
submission  were  not  already  too  long  delayed.  That 
brief  gleam  of  triumph  on  the  face  of  his  late  ally 
saved  von  Isenberg.     His  manner  instantly  changed. 

"Your  Majesty,"  he  said  in  a  peniteni'd  tone,  "I 
am  compelled  to  confess  that  I  am  illo;  al,  and  that 
the  case  against  me  is  but  too  clear,  looking  at  it 
from  your  Majesty's  higher  point  of  view,  unburdened 
by  the  prejudice,  and,  perhaps  I  should  add  with 
shame,  the  hatred  which  has  enveloped  me.  I  have 
no  excuse  to  offer,  and  there  is  nothing  left  for  me 
to  hope,  except  that  the  clemency  which  you  so  gener- 
ously bestowed  on  others  you  may  extend  to — Count 
Bertrich." 


!     iS 


'm 


422 


TEKLA. 


The  Emperor's  face  lightened,  and  something  almost 
approaching  a  smile  touched  his  lips  as  he  saw  that 
the  haughty  Archbishop,  in  spite  of  his  evident  in- 
tention to  sue  for  favour  when  he  began,  could  not 
bring  himself  to  beg  for  any  save  a  friend.  The 
Emperor  ignored  his  lack  of  pleading  for  himself,  and 
said: 

"  Are  you  content  to  return  to  Treves  and  accept 
the  protection  which  my  soldiers  will  deem  it  an 
honour  to  supply  ?  "  v. 

"  I  am  content,  your  Majesty." 

**  Are  you  content  to  allow  your  men  now  gathered 
round  Thuron  to  join  those  under  my  standard?" 

"  I  am  content,  your  Majesty." 

"  Are  you  content  to  give  up  the  guardianship  of 
the  Countess  Tekla  ?  " 

"  It  has  brought  me  little  profit  and  some  loss  of 
prestige,  so  I  am  well  rid  of  it.  I  am  content,  your 
Majesty." 

The  Emperor  rose  from  his  throne  and  descended 
the  steps  of  the  dais,  extending  his  hand. 

"  My  Lord  Archbishop,"  he  said,  "  I  hope  from  this 
day  forward  to  count  you  one  of  my  friends." 

"  In  truth,  your  Majesty,"  replied  von  Isenberg 
dryly,  "  I  would  rather  have  you  my  friend  than  my 
enemy." 

"  It  is  a  sentiment  which  finds  an  echo  in  my  own 
breast,"  responded  the  Emperor  with  undeniable 
amity,  and  casting  a  sharp  glance  on  Count  Bertrich, 
he  added  :  "  Is  that  defective  memory  of  yours  local 
or  general,  my  Lord  Count?  " 

"  It  is  universal,  your  Majesty.  Men  whom  I  have 
met  two  years  ago  I  could  not  recognise  to-day." 

"  Ah  !  Such  misfortunes,  deplorable  as  they  may 
seem,  are  not  without  their  compensation,  my  Lord." 

Saying  this,  the  Emperor  mounted  the  dais,  and 
in  a  few  brief  sentences  made  congratulatory  refer- 
ence to  the  peaceable  adjustment,  thus  dismissing  the 
assemblage. 


•t 


hi 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

TEKLA  REPLENISHES  HER  WARDROBE. 

The  Countess  Tekla  leaned  long  over  the  parapet 
of  Castle  Thuron,  gazing  sadly  into  the  night.  The 
brilliant  moonlight  seemed  a  mockery  of  former  hap- 
piness, now  that  she  stood  bathed  in  it  alone.  Into 
the  darkness  of  the  forest,  into  the  uncertainty  of  the 
future,  her  lover  had  gone,  confident  that  his  single 
arm  would  bring  rescue  to  the  besieged  ;  and  the  girl, 
melancholy  as  she  was  at  the  parting,  felt  as  assured  of 
his  success  as  if  it  were  already  accomplished.  He  had 
been  compelled  to  steal  away  in  the  shadow  of  the 
trees,  as  cautiously  and  secretly  as  if  he  were  on  a 
mission  of  death,  but  she  was  sure  he  would  return 
openly  and  triumphantly  as  a  champion  of  life.  Her 
dreamy  eyes  lost  sight  of  the  dark  wot  ,  and  she  saw 
in  imagination  her  hero  at  the  head  of  his  men  br(  ak 
through  the  iron  cordon  which  had  so  long  encom- 
passed the  castle,  bringing,  with  ringing  cheers, 
succour  to  the  oppressed.  At  last,  with  dimmed 
eyes  and  a  deep  sigh,  the  girl  turned  and  beheld 
the  ghost-like  vision  of  Hilda  standing  there,  silently 
weepiiig. 

"  Oh,  Hilda,  how  you  startled  me.  Why  are  you 
sorrowing?" 

"  So  many  terrible  things  have  happened  to-night, 
my  Lady,  that  I  am  filled  with  fear.  I  weep  because 
I  have  lost  my  lover,"  said  Hilda,  simply. 

*'  Yer,  Hilda,  the  cruel  wood  has  hidden  him,  but  he 
will  soon  return,  so  have  no  fears.  And,  Hilda,  listen. 
We  are  two  women  alone  together,  and  I  think  women 
are  alike  whatever  their  station ;  lady  or  serf,  what  can 


424 


TEKLA. 


v*l 


^k 


they  do  but  weep  when  their  lovers  leave  them  ?  My 
own  eyes  are  wet,  Hilda,  because  my  lover  went  with 
yours ! " 

•*  The  Lord  Rodolph,  my  Lady  ?  "  exclaimed  Hilda, 
her  curiosity  and  match-making  instinct  mastering  her 
emotion. 

"The  Lord  Rodolph,  Hilda." 

"  Oh,  my  Lady,  I  am  glad." 

"Are  you,  Hilda?"  cried  the  girl,  embracing  her. 
"  So  am  L  Now  let  us  forget  our  mutual  grief  in  our 
mutual  joy.  Walk  with  me  along  this  promenade, 
here  in  the  moonlight,  and  tell  me  about  it.  Where 
did  you  meet,  and  what  did  he  say  to  you  ?  Do  lovers 
talk  the  same  language  all  the  world  over  ?  I  believe 
they  do ;  a  language  understood  only  by  themselves, 
and  untranslatable  to  others.  What  did  he  tell  you, 
Hilda?" 

"  I  'do  not  remember,  my  Lady,"  said  Hilda,  as  they 
walked  together  up  and  down ;  Hilda  with  drooping 
head.  "  We  met,  and  were  with  each  other,  and 
seemed  to  want  nothing  more,  and  the  words  did  not 
matter.  Sometimes  he  said  the  moon  shone  brightly, 
or,  in  the  darkness,  that  the  stars  twinkled,  and  yet  I 
knew  he  was  speaking  of  me  and  not  of  the  moon  or 
the  stars,  and  that  I  was  thinking  of  him  ! " 

"  Yes,"  said  Tekla,  with  a  sigh,  "  the  moon  shines 
and  the  stars  twinkle  and  we  think  how  beautiful  they 
are,  but  that  is  because  he  is  here,  for  now  the  moon 
shines  as  brightly  for  others,  perhaps,  but  not  for  us, 
because  he  is  absent,  and  we  see  none  of  the  former 
beauty  in  the  shining,  but  only  the  brilliant  loneli- 
ness ;  the  empty  night." 

Hilda  glanced  timorously  about  her  when  her  lady 
spoke  of  the  night,  for  the  events  of  the  evening  had 
so  unnerved  her  that  even  the  thought  of  her  rescued 
lover  could  not  turn  her  mind  from  the  dangers  which 
surrounded  them.  Everything  seemed  peaceful,  but 
everything  had  seemed  peaceful  when  Conrad  was 
suddenly  pounced  upon,  and  all  but  hanged.  She 
shuddered  and  said  tremblingly : 


REPLENISHES  HER  WARDROBE.      425 

"  Is  it  safe  for  us  to  walk  thus  conspicuously  on  the 
battlements  ?     Is  it  not  dangerous  ?  " 

"  Dangerous  ? "  cried  the  Countess,  clasping  her 
hands,  and  gazing  with  rapture  along  the  promenade. 
*'  It  is  the  most  dangerous  spot  on  earth,  Hilda,  and 
the  most  delicious." 

"  Then  let  us  leave  it,  my  Lady.  An  archer  might 
mark  us  out,  for  the  enemy  are  doubtless  lingering 
near,  although  unseen  by  us." 

"  It  is  too  late,  Hilda.  An  archer  has  already 
marked  me  out  and  has  shot  me  through  the  heart,  all 
on  these  battlements,  yet  I  cared  little,  for  I  had  been 
mortally  wounded  before." 

Hilda  looked  with  dismay  at  the  Countess  standing 
there  oblivious  to  her  surroundings,  forgetting  even 
that  she  had  a  companion,  the  moonlight  enfolding  her 
in  its  gentle  radiance.  From  this  wild  talk  of  archers 
and  wounding,  Hilda  feared  that  reason  had  fled  from 
her  beloved  mistress,  but  the  Countess,  guessing  her 
thought,  turned  suddenly  toward  her  and  laughed. 

"Yes,  Hilda,  reason  has  deserted  me,  and  I  have 
before  now  on  this  spot  acted  directly  contrary  to  its 
teachings,  and  yet  am  I  without  regret.  But  we  must 
talk  no  more  of  lovers  and  the  moonlight,  nor  even  of 
the  subdued  twinkling  of  the  stars,  and  to  show  you 
how  practical  I  am,  I  will  tell  you  what  we  are  to  do 
these  coming  few  days,  so  that  we  may  think  of  noth- 
ing but  that  we  have  in  hand.  I  have  not  yet  told 
you,  Hilda,  how  glad  I  am  that  you  are  with  me  again, 
and  how  much  I  missed  you  all  these  long  months.  I 
am  so  helpless  without  you,  and  these  hands  are  as 
useless — as  useless " 

"They  are  most  beautiful,  my  Lady." 

"  Yes,  he  said  that,  and  it  therefore  must  be  true," 
murmured  the  Countess,  looking  down  at  her  fair 
hands  as  impartially  as  if  they  belonged  to  someone 
else,  as  indeed  they  did.  "  What  could  he  see  in  me, 
Hilda,  to  wish  for  me  ?  I  am  obstinate  and  unruly. 
I  left  my  guardian  in  a  most  unmaidenly  manner ;  I 
am  often  defiant  to  all  rightful  authority,  and  have 


426 


TEKLA. 


rebelled  when  my  uncle  has  commanded.  He  knows 
all  this,  for  he  aided  me  in  my  flight,  and  he  has  seen 
me  face  my  uncle  in  anger,  and  yet — and  yet — Why 
is  it;  Hilda?" 

"You  are  the  most  lovely  lady  on  this  earth, 
Countess  Tekla." 

"That  cannot  be,  for  I  have  heard  there  are  the 
fairest  ladies  in  Frankfort,  at  the  Court,  that  man  has 
ever  looked  upon,  yet  he  came  from  Frankfort,  and 
from  the  Emperor's  Court,  and  must  have  seen  them. 
Even  were  it  true  what  you  say,  I  would  not  have 
him  love  me  for  that  alone.  I  care  for  him,  not  be- 
cause he  is  the  noblest  and  best  in  all  the  land,  but 
because  he  is  Rodolph,  and  he — perhaps  he  cares  for 
me  because  I  am  Tekla.  It  is  all  a  mystery  which  I 
cannot  fathom.  I  left  my  guardian  knowing  nothing 
of  Rodolph,  and  now  it  seems  as  if  I  must  always  have 
known  him,  and  that  he  was  waiting  for  me,  as  in 
truth  he  was.  But  here  am  I  talking  of  him  again, 
after  saying  I  would  think  no  more  until  he  returned. 
Oh  yes,  I  remember  now  what  I  wished  to  tell  you, 
when  your  flattery  about  my  hands  set  me  off  on  the 
familiar  path.  Hilda,  in  this  castle  I  have  made  a 
wonderful  discovery.  Ah,  I  have  made  more  than  one 
unlooked-for  discovery  since  I  inhabited  Thuron,  for 
nothing  is  more  wonderful  or  more  entrancing  than 
that  I  should  have  discovered  his — Oh,  Hilda,  shall  I 
ever  talk  sanely  again  ?     I  doubt  it." 

"  What  discovery  in  the  castle,  my  Lady  ?  " 

"  Oh,  that  there  is  here  a  veritable  robber's  cave, 
such  as  the  minstrels  sing  about." 

"  Indeed,  such  is  what  they  call  the  castle  itself 
down  in  Aiken." 

"Do  they?  I  wonder  why.  Hilda,  there  is  in  Thuron 
an  enchanted  room  ;  I  know  it  is  enchanted,  for  the 
light  is  dim,  and  the  ghosts  of  bygone  ladies  haunt  it 
continually." 

"  Oh,  my  Lady,"  cried  Hilda,  horror-stricken. 
"  You  have  not  been  near  it,  I  hope." 

"  How  could  I  keep  out  of  it,  or  how  blame  the 


REPLENISHES  HER  WARDROBE.      427 


poor  ghosts  for  wandering  through  it  ?  The  room  is 
filled  with  the  most  wonderful  webs  of  cloth,  of  every 
dye,  some  filmy  as  spider's  weaving,  some  thick  as 
armour.  Had  one  the  art  to  fashion  it  into  women's 
garments,  there  is  enough  within  that  room  to  clothe 
most  richly  all  the  ladies  of  the  Court  at  Frank- 
fort. How  came  my  uncle  by  this  cloth,  or  what 
use  can  he  have  for  it,  I  cannot  imagine,  but  I  am 
sure  the  ghosts  of  all  the  ladies  for  whom  the  webs 
were  intended  must  haunt  the  place,  sorrowful  that 
they  had  never  an  opportunity  of  wearing  the  un- 
made apparel.  When  I  enter  the  room  I  wave  my 
hand  and  bid  the  ghosts  begone,  and  then,  being  sorry 
for  my  cruelty,  I  spread  out  the  cloth  so  that  they 
may  see  how  beautiful  it  is  and  of  what  rare  texture, 
for  the  poor  ghosts  cannot  do  this  by  themselves. 
Come  with  me,  Hilda,  and  I  will  show  you  the  room." 

"  Oh  no,  no,  my  Lady.  I  dare  not  venture  in  it.  I 
would  rather  face  all  the  Archbishop's  troops  than 
those  dead  ghosts." 

**  Nonsense,  child.  There  is  really  nothing  there  to 
fright  you,  and  if  I  can  enter  the  room  often  and  often 
alone,  surely  you  will  not  hang  back  when  I  am  with 
you.  You  shall  devise  most  lovely  costumes  for  us  both, 
so  that  when  our  lovers  return  we  shall  enslave  them 
anew,  and  in  the  making  of  our  robes  we  shall  have 
something  more  practical  to  think  of  than  the  glamour 
of  the  moonlight.  Why  did  you  not  teach  me  to 
sew,  Hilda  ?  I  never  knew  what  a  useless  creature  I 
was  until  I  stood  among  all  that  rare  assortment, 
enough  to  delight  any  woman's  eye,  and  had  no  skill 
in  the  fashioning  of  the  smallest  piece  of  it.  Then 
did  I  sit  down  and  selfishly  weep  because  you  were 
not  with  me.  And  I  have  selected  one  web  of  quiet 
hue,  but  rich  in  texture,  finely  spun,  which  you  shall 
make  for  my  aunt,  poor  lady,  who  has  never  had  any- 
thing to  wear  that  she  might  be  proud  of.  Come, 
Hilda,  bring  a  lamp  to  ward  off  the  darkness,  and  I 
shall  keep  the  ghosts  away  from  you." 

Hilda,  encouraged  by  the  presence  of  the  Countess, 


428 


TEKLA. 


ventured  into  the  silken  store-room,  containing  the 
unwilling  tribute  of  many  a  merchant  to  the  potentate 

'  of  Thuron,  and  once  within  the  haunted  chamber,  was 
soon  so  much  absorbed  in  the  cutting  of  the  material 
selected,  and  the  fitting  of  it  on  the  lovely  model  who 
posed  before  her,  that  all  fear  of  spiritual  onlookers 
fled,  and  so  deft  was  the  fair  seamstress  in  the  passion 
of  her  occupation  that  she  would  have  measured  and 

\  fitted  even  a  ghost  if  the  apparition  had  presented 
itself  before  her  with  a  sepulchral  request  for  a  gar- 
ment. When  the  attire  of  the  Countess  was  com- 
pleted, the  lady  then  began  to  wonder,  not  without  an 
admixture  of  apprehension,  what  her  turbulent  uncle 
would  say  when  this  mutilation  of  his  goods  came  to 
his  knowledge,  and  so  resolved  to  settle  the  question 
once  for  all  before  Rodolph  returned.  Tekla  entered 
the  great  dining  hall,  arrayed  in  all  her  splendour, 
her  heart  fluttering  with  anxiety  regarding  her  recep- 
tion, yet  she  was  in  a  measure  sustained  by  that  feel- 
ing of  confidence  which  comes  to  those  who  know  they 
are  handsomely  attired.  Heinrich's  wife  was  so 
startled  that  she  gasped  in  terror  and  cast  an  appre- 
hensive glance  at  her  husba'  1,  as  his  niece  glided  with 
apparent  composure  into  the  room.  The  Black  Count 
himself  looked  up,  but  noticing  no  difference,  merely 
grumbled  that  Tekla  was  late  and  went  on  with  his 
scanty  meal. 


r  '. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 


THE  COUNTESS  AND  THE  EMPEROR. 


One  morning  word  came  hurriedly  to  the  Count 
that  there  was  a  commotion  near  Aiken,  an  attack 
being  feared.  Heinrich  ascended  to  the  battle- 
ments without  haste  and  without  enthusiasm.  If  an 
assault  came  he  would  repel  it  if  he  could,  but  he  had 
little  heart  in  the  prospect  of  a  fight,  and  as  little  hope 
of  ultimate  success.  He  had  welcomed  the  departure 
of  Rodolph  and  his  two  companions,  largely  because 
their  going  left  three  mouths  less  to  feed,  but  he  had 
such  small  faith  in  Rodolph's  proffer  of  rescue  that  all 
thought  of  the  young  man  had  already  gone  from  his 
mind. 

Reaching  the  battlements,  he  saw  on  the  plain  to 
the  south  of  the  village  evidence  of  something  unusual 
in  progress.  Bugles  were  blowing,  and  men  from  the 
tents  and  the  lines  were  hurriedly  concentrating  at  a 
point  where  they  seemed  called  upon  to  oppose  some 
unexpected  force.  A  man  on  horseback  was  listening 
to  the  protests  of  an  officer  of  the  Archbishop,  who 
gesticulated  violently,  and  apparently  all  answer  the 
horseman  made  was  to  point  to  the  flag  which  waved 
above  him.  What  the  flag  was  that  lazily  floated 
above  its  staff,  Heinrich  could  not  make  out,  but 
presently  the  horseman  gave  a  signal  to  one  of  his 
buglers,  and  a  trumpet  call  rang  along  the  valley,  and 
was  echoed  mockingly  from  the  rocks  opposite  Aiken. 
In  a  short  space  of  time  there  came  out  from  the 
shelter  of  the  village,  along  the  river  street,  soldiers 
marching  four  abreast,  one  line  following  another  so 
closely   that   they   seemed   to  tread   on  each  other's 


430 


TEKLA. 


heels,  quartette  after  quartette,  as  if  the  village  were 
some  huge  reservoir  of  men,  and  was  belching  them 
forth  in  such  numbers  that  there  was  little  wonder  the 
Archbishop's  officers  stood  helpless  before  this  dis- 
play of  military  power.  At  last  the  movement 
stopped,  and  the  soldiers  were  halted  four  deep,  stand- 
ing at  ease  with  their  formidable  array  of  lances  brist- 
ling above  them.  Again  the  mounted  man  seemed  to 
prefer  his  request  or  command,  and  this  time  heed  was 
given  it.  The  Archbishop's  troops  parted,  leaving  an 
open  space,  and  through  this  came,  not  the  soldiers 
who  had  the  moment  before  exhibited  their  numbers, 
but  laden  animals  with  attendants,  led  by  the  officer 
on  horseback.  The  procession  came  up  the  zig-zag 
path  that  ended  at  the  castle  gates,  and  every  man  of 
Thuron's  garrison,  who  now  clustered  on  the  walls, 
raised  a  simultaneous  cheer.  They  recogrt'sed  the 
move  as  a  break  in  the  Archbishop's  cordon,  and  voci- 
ferously acclaimed  that  help  and  food  were  coming 
to  them. 

Count  Heinrich,  however,  was  no  optimist.  His 
naturally  suspicious  mind  caused  him  to  imagine  that 
here  was  merely  another  trick  of  his  enemy  of  Treves, 
and  he  stood  silent  and  grim,  with  arms  folded  across  his 
breast,  watching  distrustfully  the  ascending  cavalcade  ; 
and  thus  he  remained  until  the  trumpeter  summoned 
the  gate. 

The  mounted  officer  rode  boldly  forward  as  if  *he 
feared  no  rebuff.  "Count  Heinrich  of  Thuron,"  he 
cried  to  the  motionless  figure  that  stood  like  a  lower- 
ing statue  on  the  platform  above  the  gate.  "  I  greet 
you  in  the  name  of  his  Majesty,  the  Emperor,  and  am 
commanded  by  him  to  deliver  to  you  food  and  wine, 
which  I  bring  with  me.  I  await  your  orders  regarding 
their  bestowal  within  your  castle." 

"  How  am  I  to  know  that  you  come  from  the  Em- 
peror, his  Majesty  being  at  this  moment  in  Palestine." 

*'  The  Emperor  Rodolph  has  returned,  my  Lord,  and 
is  now  at  the  head  of  his  army,  gathered  on  the  plain 
to  the  east  of  Thuron.     His  troops  have  surrounded 


THE  COUNTESS  AND  THE  EMPEROR.    431 

the  camp  of  the  Archbishops,  and  it  is  his  Majesty's 
will  that  this  siege  be  immediately  raised.  My  orders 
were  to  force  a  passage  through  to  your  gates  if  re- 
sistance were  offered,  but  that  was  not  necessary,  as 
the  Archbishops'  officers  made  way  for  us  when  they 
found  themselves  confronted  by  overwhelming  opposi- 
tion ;  besides,  they  lacked  orders  from  the  Archbishops, 
who  are  now  themselves  besieged  and  cannot  com- 
municate with  their  captains." 

A  fierce  fire  lit  up  the  eyes  of  the  Black  Count,  and 
he  glanced  over  his  shoulder  in  the  direction  of  the 
Archbishops'  camp  to  see  if  there  were  any  sign  of  the 
environment  of  which  the  imperial  messenger  spoke. 
A  low  murmur,  not  unlike  a  growl,  broke  from  his  own 
men,  impatient  at  the  delay.  The  animal  was  hungry 
and  scented  its  food. 

"  Open  the  gates,"  cried  Heinrich,  and  the  growl 
changed  into  a  cheer  again.  The  Count  knew  that  if 
this  were  a  trap  he  had  no  option  but  to  fall  into  it, 
for  they  could  not  hold  out  longer.  The  gates  were 
thrown  open  and  relief  entered. 

Willing  hands  speedily  unpacked  the  hampers. 
Many  of  the  meats  were  already  prepared  for  the 
table,  well  cooked  and  temptingly  garnished.  It 
required  all  the  terror  of  the  Count's  eye  to  prevent 
his  men  from  rushing  forward  and  helping  themselves. 
The  master  of  Thuron  appreciated  the  tension  and  saw 
that  this  was  no  time  for  delay  or  the  display  of  undue 
authority.  "  Make  the  parapets  your  table,"  he 
shouted,  "and  the  battlements  your  dining  hall.  You 
shall  feast  in  sight  of  the  Archbishops,  if  they  care  to 
look  on.     Fall  to,  and  wait  no  ceremony." 

Never  was  even  Count  Heinrich's  command  obeyed 
more  promptly.  The  Emperor  had  been  thoughtful 
and  had  sent  a  staff  of  cooks,  with  the  material  for 
their  manipulation,  and  this  was  the  more  welcome 
when  Count  Heinrich  heard,  with  something  like  con- 
sternation, that  it  was  the  Emperor's  intention  to 
visit  Castle  Thuron  that  day  and  dine  with  its  master. 
This  was  an  honour  for  which  Count  Heinrich   felt 


432 


TEKLA. 


himself  in  no  way  prepared,  nor  was  it  a  distinction 
which  he  coveted.  He  paced  the  large  room  gloomily 
when  the  envoy  had  left  him,  pondering  oyer  his  pre- 
dicament, for  he  was  not  accustomed  to  the  etiquette 
of  courts,  and  had  little  practice  in  the  bending  of  the 
knee.  Upon  his  dilemma  there  suddenly  intruded  the 
radiant  presence  of  his  niece,  aglow  with  excitement. 
He  glared  moodily  at  her  approach. 

"  Is  it  true,"  she  cried,  *'  that  the  Emperor  is  to 
visit  us?" 

"  I  fear  so,"  growled  the  Count. 

"  Fear  so,  Uncle  ?  I  am  ashamed  of  you.  How 
can  you  say  you  fear,  when  the  moment  he  returned 
from  the  East  he  came  to  your  rescue,  no  doubt  as 
soon  as  my  Lord  Rodolph  acquainted  him  with  your 
position." 

"  It  is  not  likely  Lord  Rodolph  had  anything  to  do 
with  it'.     I  have  heard  nothing  of  Lord  Rodolph." 

"  Nevertheless,  you  will  soon  hear  of  him,  and  he  it 
was  who  caused  this  quick  rescue  to  be  brought  about. 
Rodolph  will  come  to  the  castle  by  the  side  of  the 
Emperor,  and  I  will  not  have  him  ashamed  of  us." 

"  It  matters  not  to  me  what  Lord  Rodolph  thinks  ; 
if  he  has  indeed  had  a  hand  in  this,  I  wish  him  well 
for  it." 

"But  the  Emperor  is  coming!  The  Emperor  is 
coming.  Everything  else  gives  way  to  that.  We 
shall  see  him  and  speak  with  him,  and  he  shall  know 
that  here  are  his  most  loyal  subjects  assembled.  We 
must  receive  him  royally." 

"  What  can  we  do  ?  He  comes — well,  let  him  come. 
He  has  sent  his  dinner  and  the  cooks  to  prepare  it,  so 
in  God's  name  we  will  allow  him  to  eat  it,  since  it 
belongs  to  him,  but  what  further  can  we  do?  I  can 
say  good-day  to  him,  but  if  you  expect  me  to  bow  and 
kneel  and  scrape  to  him,  by  the  Holy  Coat,  I  will 
leave  the  castle  first." 

"You  shall  do  nothing  of  the  kind.  You  shall  put 
under  my  orders  every  man  you  have ;  there  is  work 
enough  for  them  all  to  do.     Hilda,  come  here." 


THE  COUNTESS  AND  THE  EMPEROR.    433 

Hilda,  who  had  been  standing  at  the  door,  came 
forward. 

"  Hilda,  throw  open  the  ghost  room  and  tell  a  dozen 
of  the  men  to  carry  down  bales  of  cloth :  the  crimson 
silk  to  this  room,  the  purple  and  blue  and  scarlet 
webs  to  the  courtyard." 

"  ^hat  ?  "  roared  the  Black  Count.  "  What  do  you 
know  of  those  bales?" 

**  Everything,  my  Lord  Uncle.  I  have  rummaged  all 
corners  of  the  room  and  am  thoroughly  conversant 
with  what  it  contains.  And,  Hilda,  tell  them  to  bring 
here  the  crimson  silk  first  and  I  will  show  them  how 
to  festoon  it." 

"You  are  mad,"  cried  her  uncle,  wrathfully,  but 
standing  before  her  uncertain  what  to  do. 

**  Yes,  with  joy.  I  am  to  see  the  Emperor,  and 
my  Lord  Rodolph,  for  I  know  they  come  in  company. 
And  now,  what  can  I  do  with  you?  Your  armour 
should  be  scoured,  and — no,  you  are  hopeless.  I  can- 
not festoon  you  with  red  silk,  my  Uncle,  so  I  shall  not 
attempt  to  improve  you.  You  look  like  a  great  bear, 
and  such  indeed  you  are,  but  the  Emperor,  who  is  a 
fighter  himself,  will  esteem  valour  in  whatever  shape 
it  presents  itself.  He  may  have  seen  rougher  men  in 
the  East,  although  I  doubt  it.  Now  go  and  tell  your 
garrison  that  I  have  taken  charge  of  the  castle  until 
the  Emperor  arrives,  and  wear  just  such  a  scowl 
as  is  now  on  your  face  when  ^'ou  order  them  to  obey 
me." 

The  helpless  man  laughed  scornfully,  but  neverthe- 
less made  no  objection,  feeling  that  he  had  reached  a 
situation  which  was  beyond  him,  and  that  possibly  his 
confident  niece  would  retrieve  the  honour  of  his  house. 

In  a  marvellously  short  time,  under  Tekla's  crisp  di- 
rection, the  appearance  of  the  castle  was  completely 
changed,  and  oldThuron  would  not  have  known  itself, 
so  bravely  was  it  decked  with  silk  and  bunting,  to  the 
great  depletion  of  his  Lordship's  stores.  The  Black 
Count  made  no  attempt  to  smarten  himself  and  thus 
follow  the  example  of  his  castle,  but  wandered  impa- 


434 


TEKLA. 


;-v! 


v^ 


H. 


tiently  about,  accoutred  as  he  was  and  always  had  been, 
not  knowing  what  to  do  with  himself,  manifestly  ill  at 
ease,  alternately  frowning  and  grimacing  at  the  prepa- 
rations and  decorating  going  on  around  him.  Once 
there  arose  a  Ciy  that  the  Emperor  was  in  sight,  and 
Tekla,  in  despair,  wrung  her  hands  that  he  came  so 
soon,  but  it  was  a  false  alarm,  and  Heuirich,  going  to 
the  battlements,  saw  with  a  savage  joy  that  the  cause 
of  the  commotion  was  the  striking  of  the  tents  belong- 
ing to  the  Archbishop's  army.  The  two  years*  siege 
was  at  last  raised.  The  Black  Count  lifted  his  clenched 
fist  towards  the  unoffending  sky  and  hoarsely  cursed 
the  departing  legion. 

From  her  fear  that  his  Majesty  would  come  too 
soon,  the  Countess  began  to  apprehend  that  he  would 
not  come  at  all.  The  improvised  carpet  had  been  laid 
between  the  castle  doorway  and  the  gates ;  broad  red 
cloth  flanked  by  two  webs  of  blue.  Purple  was  looped 
over  the  archway,  and  gaudy  streamers  floated  from 
the  walls. 

At  last  the  detachment  which  had  marched  through 
the  village  began  to  ascend  the  slope,  and  soon  from 
castle  gate  to  river  bank  they  lined  each  side  of  the 
way,  forniing  an  avenue  of  erect  lances.  Ringing 
cheers  sounded  from  the  village,  marking  the  imperial 
progress,  for  the  whole  population  of  the  country 
roundabout  had  turned  out :  even  the  opposite  banks 
of  the  Moselle  were  thronged  by  thousands  who  could 
not  get  across. 

The  Countess  Tekla,  accompanied  by  her  aunt, 
stood  on  the  battlements  to  get  thus  the  first  view  of 
the  Emperor,  although  she  had  commanded  her  uncle 
to  be  in  readiness,  the  moment  his  Majesty  appeared 
below,  to  take  hi«  place  at  the  open  gate,  where,  sup- 
ported by  his  two  women  folk,  he  was  to  offer  his  Sov- 
ereign the  castle  and  the  devotion  of  all  within  it. 
Presently  horsemen  appeared  advancing  past  the 
southern  end  of  the  village,  numbering,  perhaps,  two 
score,  then  there  was  an  interval,  and  all  onlookers 
knew  at  once  it  waj  the  Emperor  in  his  glittering  ar- 


THE  COUNTESS  AND  THE  EMPEROR.     435 


mour  who  rode  the  prancing  white  horse,  with  but  one 
attendant  by  his  side.  Following  him  came  another 
troop  of  horse,  and  thus  ascended  to  Castle  Thuron 
the  Emperor  Rodolph,  who  but  a  short  time  before 
had  slipped  away  from  it,  a  fugitive  in  the  night. 

Those  manning  the -walls  of  the  castle  raised  a  great 
cheer  when  they  saw  his  Majesty,  and  Tekla  could 
scarce  refrain  from  clapping  her  hands  at  the  brave 
spectacle.  The  Black  Count  looked  at  the  cavalcade 
with  the  sombre  discontent  of  one  surveying  a  funeral 
procession,  and  Hilda  sighed  when  she  saw  but  a  single 
attendant  accompanying  the  Emperor. 

"  Uncle,  if  you  will  lead  us  down,  we  will  now  take 
our  places  at  the  gate,"  said  Tekla,  her  voice  quaver- 
ing with  conflicting  emotions. 

The  Count  obeyed  in  silence,  and  stood  awkwardly, 
muttering  low  maledictions  at  this  mummery,  yet 
knowing  there  was  nothing  before  him  but  endurance. 
His  wife  took  up  her  position,  trembling,  at  his  right 
and  his  niece  at  his  left. 

The  foremost  horsemen  ranged  themselves  on  each 
side  of  the  gate,  their  evolutions,  for  the  moment, 
concealing  the  chief  personage  from  the  view  of  those 
standing  in  the  portal.  When  the  Emperor  rode  for- 
ward with  Conrad  at  his  side,  Tekla  cried  out  as  one 
in  fear,  then  for  a  moment  leaned  against  her  uncle 
for  support.  Heinrich  looked  at  her  white  face,  not 
knowing  what  ailed  her,  and  was  about  to  speak 
roughly,  as  was  his  custom,  when  she  gasped  hurriedly 
under  her  breath  *. 

"  Uncle,  uncle,  look.     Who  is  the  Emperor?" 

The  Black  Count  turned  his  gaze  once  more  to  the 
front  and  cried : 

"  By  my  sins,  it  is  no  Emperor  at  all,  but  Lord 
Rodolph." 

Tekla,  quicker  of  comprehension,  whispered,  hold- 
ing bravely  off  the  faintness  that  had  suddenly  come 
upon  her : 

"  Lord  Rodolph  is  the  Emperor." 

Rodolph  swung  himself  lightly  from  the  horse  be- 


436 


TEKLA. 


fore  Conrad  could  put  hand  to  stirrup,  and  advanced 
quickly  towards  them,  the  cavalry  coming  to  a  halt 
behind  him. 

"  My  Lord  Count,"  he  cried,  "  you  see  how  easy  it 
is  to  take  your  castle  when  a  real  warrior  comes 
against  it."  „ 

The  Count,  having  no  answer  at  hand,  made  none, 
being  troubled  in  his  mind  whether  or  no  he  should 
kneel,  but  if  this  neglect  to  bend  the  knee  was  a 
breach  of  Court  etiquette,  he  was  pleased  to  note  that 
the  Emperor  was  little  likely  to  take  heed  of  it.  His 
Majesty  had  eyes  for  none  but  the  Countess  Tekla, 
who  appeared  indeed  a  queen  in  the  stately  robes 
that  became  her  so  well.  Rodolph  seemed  suddenly 
stricken  dumb  by  her  beauty,  for  all  the  colour  had 
fled  from  her  face,  leaving  it  like  chiselled  marble, 
as  she  stood  demurely  with  her  eyes  bent  on  the 
grouncf. 

"  Tekla,"  he  murmured,  taking  her  hand  with  deep 
reverence,  and  raising  it  to  his  lips,  "  is  the  Prince  who 
returns  as  welcome  as  the  unknown  Lord  would  have 
been?" 

"  Yes your  Majesty,"  whispered  Tekla,  cast- 
ing a  swift  glance  at  him,  the  colour  again  touching 
her  cheeks. 

"And  is  Countess  Tekla  willing  to  become  Em- 
press Tekla  ?  " 

**  The  delight  of  a  loyal  subject  is  to  obey  the 
imperial  command,"  she  said,  a  smile  coming  at  last 
to  her  lips. 

Again  the  Emperor  raised  her  hand  and  kissed  it. 

"  I  suppose,"  growled  the  Black  Count,  gruffly, 
"  there  is  no  further  need  of  my  standing  here  like  a 
fool." 

The  Emperor  laughed  heartily,  and  the  Countess 
Tekla  joined  him.  The  tensity  of  the  situation  was 
at  once  relieved  by  the  unmannerly  remark  of  the 
master  of  Thuron. 

"  No,  my  Lord,  no.  What  the  Countess  and  I 
have  to  say  to  each  other  may  be  very  well  said  with- 


in 


THE  COUNTESS  AND  THE  EMPER'^R.    437 


■M 


out  listeners,  and  it  is  a  pity  a  man  should  not  enter 
his  own  house  without  asking  permission.  Ah, 
Hilda,"  he  continued  on  seeing  the  girl,  "  I  have  made 
Conrad  a  Lord,  and  he  tells  me  that  in  spite  of  his 
nobility,  he  loves  a  maid  of  low  degree,  and  so  we 
shall  soon  all  be  noble  who  once  ventured  our  for- 
tunes in  a  slight  skiff  oh  the  Moselle  Tekla,"  he 
whispered,  as  they  entered  the  castle  together,  "you 
have  now  no  guardian,  for  his  Lordship  of  Treves 
willingly  resigns  control  over  so  rebellious  a  vassal. 
Peace  reigneth  in  the  land,  and  there  will  be  no  fewer 
than  three  Archbishops  at  our  marriage." 


